Man in his 50s found dead in the street next to works van after ‘exposed to paint thinning chemical’

A MAN was tragically found dead in the street after being exposed to a ‘chemical spill’.

Emergency services responded to calls from Douglas Avenue in Billinge, near Wigan, on Saturday morning.

Paramedics performed CPR on a man in his 50s before he was pronounced dead in the street.

Responders in hazmat suits from The Hazardous Area Response Team were also on the scene along with several detectives.

An air ambulance arrived just before 10am and left around two hours later.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they also attended to assist the North West Ambulance Service.

It was determined the man died after being exposed to the chemical Xylene.

Xylene can be used as a cleaning agent as well as a paint and varnish thinner.

Limited exposure can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, while longer-term can lead to headaches, dizziness and heart problems.

The emergency response teams investigated a works van outside a property for a potential chemical spill.

The vehicle was ruled as safe shortly after.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that emergency services attended a report of concern for the safety of a man in Billinge this morning (Saturday 28 September).”

“At around 10.20am, officers were called to Douglas Avenue to reports that a man in his 50s had suffered a cardiac arrest.

“Paramedics attended and he was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

“The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin have been informed.”