ENVIRONMENTAL watchdogs are appealing for a witness who reported an acid spill to come forward.

Julian Carrington, from the Environment Agency's emergency control centre, is asking the witness to come forward in order for them to learn more about the event.

The incident happened on Thursday after a witness contacted the fire service concerning a leaking tanker.

The leak happened in Barmston Lane, Washington, Tyne and Wear and led to the Environment Agency being called in.

Mr Carrington said: "The spill has left a very unpleasant odour as well as some staining to the lay-by, but not to the road. We are presently assessing what needs to be done to clean things up."

The clean up starts today and is expected to take around two hours. The environmental impact is said to be minimal and the acid hasn't leaked into the water.

Any inquiries relating to this incident should be made to the Agency's emergency control centre on: freephone 0800 807060.