A STREET in Southend had to be cordoned off after a mysterious mercury spill.

Police had to shut off Chelmsford Avenue at 12pm on Saturday after the chemical, which is highly poisonous, was found on the road.

One fire crew from Rayleigh Weir attended the scene and had to wear special protective masks and clothing to suck up the mercury, which was scattered over a two foot section of the street.

A specialist waste disposal team was also at the scene to take away the chemical before the road was reopened shortly after 1.10pm.