A LEAKY consignment of toxic chemicals shipped via the North-East has led to the deaths of at least three workers in Africa.

Many more were injured in the East African port of Djibouti following a major leak involving hundreds of tonnes of highly toxic liquid exported by CSI Wood Production, based in Widnes, Lancashire.

The final death toll may be higher because the wood preservative chemicals are known to cause cancer.

The shipment, in two consignments of 6,000 plastic jerrycans instead of sealed metal drums, was shipped through Tees Port bound for Ethiopia.

In one batch, 94 out of 95 jerrycans leaked their contents at the African dock, contaminating thousands of tonnes of soil and affecting the health of dozens of workers.

As the containers were unloaded, port workers were sprayed with the leaking chemicals.

Environment Minister Michael Meacher has promised an immediate investigation, and says the Government will take action.

He said: "It is very distressing that this could happen, and if this had occurred in a British port, or anywhere else in the developed world, action would have taken place immediately, and the workers would have been protected from the terrible effects associated with exposure to this chemical."

The minister promised to "pursue the polluter to recover the costs".

A spokesman for Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority said there was no question of any leakage occurring at Tees Port.

"There is a protocol that happens when any cargo is entered into Tees Port. The containers are checked and the ship would not be allowed to sail without safety precautions being taken."

A spokesman for CSI Wood Protection said the overseas containers were independently inspected prior to loading at Tees Port and that the UK and UN approved drums were in sound condition