RESIDENTS have told how they were confined in their homes while a suspected chemical spill was investigated in Risca.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Argus, emergency services were called to New Park Road after a lorry driver transporting a variety of industrial chemicals parked his vehicle after falling ill.

Householders were asked to stay indoors and close all doors and windows while the lorry was examined.

The 33-year-old driver, Ken Fussel, who was suffering with breathing difficulties and skin problems, was taken to hospital for a check-up after he reported the incident yesterday morning.

A thorough investigation was made of the chemicals on the lorry, but no leaks were found.

John Powell, 52, a furniture technician from New Park Road, said: "We saw a young man staggering from the lorry to sit down across the road. It was frightening as we didn't know what was happening."

He said it was nearly an hour before they were given the all-clear to leave their homes.

Eighty-year-old Olive Harvey, who lives about 20 yards from where the lorry was parked, said: "They did the right thing by telling us to stay inside - it's better to be safe than sorry."

Police blocked off both ends of New Park Road while the chemical barrels were examined.

It is believed the driver, from Bristol, inhaled some of the chemicals during a drop-off earlier in the day.