Heineken brewery evacuated after 'CO2 leak' as fire crews cordon off area

The Heineken Brewery in Manchester was evacuated on Wednesday afternoon after a major 'CO2 leak', the Manchester Evening News understands.

A 50-metre cordon was put in place around the factory, on Denmark Road, near to the Hulme Retail Park, as site staff worked with emergency services to 'isolate and stop the leak'.

It is understood that there was a risk of those inside suffering asphyxiation due to the large quantities of the gas, however there were no injuries reported as fire crews stood down around two and a half hours later.

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Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were made aware of the incident on Wednesday afternoon but that their assistance was not required at the scene.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 1.45pm today (Wednesday May 22) seven fire engines from Salford, Manchester Central, Bury, Gorton, Withington, Hollins and Rochdale fire stations alongside the air unit were called to reports of a suspected gas leak at a commercial premises on Denmark Road, Manchester.

“Firefighters established a cordon to make the surrounding area safe and worked with site staff to quickly isolate and stop the leak. Crews were in attendance for two and a half hours.”

Heineken UK have been approached for a comment on the incident.