Radium scare sees people told to stay in

A RADIATION scare was sparked on a residential street after a member of the public found an ingot labelled “radium” in their house, police have revealed.

The householder who found the chunk of metal at their home in Limetree Avenue, Birstall, called the emergency services as radium is a highly radioactive metal.

Police advised residents in the street to stay indoors while the emergency services dealt with the situation.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and thick protective gloves tested the ingot for radiation with specialist equipment.

The tests showed there was no radiation coming from the object.

A police spokeswoman said: “We were called at 1.21pm (last Sunday) by a member of the public reporting having found what was believed to be a small piece of metal with the word ‘radium’ on it. Officers attended.

“The object was assessed by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and deemed to be safe.

“In the interest of public safety nearby residents were advised to stay indoors while the incident was dealt with.”

A fire and rescue service spokesman said: “We were called by the police as someone had found an ingot with the word radium written on it,

“Fire crews from Birstall and Western station were sent to the scene.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and thick gloves used equipment to test the ingot for radiation.

“The readings showed zero. There was no radiation coming from the ingot. It was perfectly harmless.”