NATURE RESERVE CLOSED FOLLOWING DISCOVERY OF MUSTARD GAS CANISTERS

 A NATURE reserve in Lincolnshire has been closed indefinitely following the discovery of canisters containing mustard gas.

The Roughton Moor reserve, near Woodhall Spa, is owned by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
It falls within  a wider area of woodland which has been put off limits to the public since the start of the month.

It is believed the canisters have been in situ since when the site was an operational RAF base.

The reserve consists of oak, birch, rowan and Scots pine, plus some heathland.

There is also an avenue of Corsican pines apparently planted as an intended approach to a manor house which was never built. 

Police acted swiftly after two people required hospital treatment for burns and breathing difficulties having unearthed the canisters while they were digging for antique bottles on October 1. They were discharged the same day.

The canisters were taken to Porton Down, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, for their contents to be analysed.

In the wake of the incident, two men and a woman were arrested and released on bail until October 25 pending further inquiries.

Two properties have been searched, but it is understood no noxious substances were discovered.

Mustard “gas” is said to be a misnomer because the chemical is not vaporised but disperses as a mist of fine liquid droplets.

First used by the German army in World War One, it has an infamous record of being used  as a chemical warfare agent - deployed by means of artillery shells, bombs, rockets or spraying from warplanes.

Victims are at risk of sustaining large burn blisters both on exposed skin and in lungs.

If anyone has recently obtained any containers from this area they are urged to contact the police.