HUNDREDS of families were forced to lock themselves indoors on Christmas Eve after toxic gas spilled out of a chemical complex.

Residents on Teesside were ordered indoors and told to lock doors and windows after a leak of thermex gas from the Wilton International site.

The gas, which is an eye and skin irritant, seeped out of the site and threatened homes in Redcar, Saltburn, Marske and Ings in what was described by police as "a major toxic leak".

Emergency services and industry experts were rushed to the site following the leak at about 5.30pm on Monday.

The gas, which was described as having a smell like geraniums, was wafted towards nearby homes by the breeze.

However, as winds picked up, it began to disperse the fumes away.

Police warned householders to lock all doors and windows and to remain indoors all evening.

It was two hours before the leak was brought under control, but the warning to residents remained in force throughout the evening.

Officers said no one was evacuated from their homes and there were no reports of any casualties during the incident.