A LARGE emergency service presence is in place at a gym in Warrington this afternoon, Thursday.

Fire crews, police and paramedics are in attendance at Athelis Club and Spa in Gemini at present.

The reason for the callout is a chemical leak.

At least three fire engines are at the Charon Way site, along with three police cars and five incident response units.

It is reported that staff told gymgoers to evacuate the building due to suspected chlorine leak.

A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service said: “Following a 999 call at 2.51pm, we responded to an incident at Athelis in Warrington reporting patients suffering a reaction to a chemical leak.

“In attendance were the hazardous area response team, an advanced paramedic, a senior paramedic, two ambulances and an operational commander.

“We have assessed 11 patients. Two have been taken to hospital for treatment of minor conditions.”

Meanwhile, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three fire engines from Penketh, Lymm and Widnes fire stations attended the gym at around 3pm.

A spokesman said: “Firefighters are in attendance at an incident at a private gym facility in Warrington.

“Crews were called after reports of a number of people becoming unwell as a result of exposure to chemical fumes in the swimming pool area.

“Crews assisted staff in the evacuation of gym members and eleven people reported symptoms.

“They have been dealt with by paramedics. Two individuals have been transported to hospital and nine have been assessed at the scene.

“All staff and gym members have been accounted for and crews are liaising with gym staff and partner agencies to determine the cause of the incident.”

Cheshire Police and Athelis have also been contacted for a comment.