A major incident has been declared after a leak from an oil field in Dorset.

The leak has come from the Wytch Farm facility in the Purbecks which is one of the largest onshore oil fields in Europe.

Philip Broadhead, the leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, has said oil has escaped into the water and surrounding area.

Mr Broadhead added in a statement: “As leader of the council I will, along with the senior council team, be working to see what implications this leak may have and what action we may need to take.

“It is of course extremely disappointing to hear of this event, and while there will be a time later for anger and investigation, our focus now must be on ensuring we can mitigate any impacts of this situation.”