A state of alert after the possibility of toxic substances in the air in Hamburg, Germany. | Agadir24

Agadir 24 | Agadir24

A state of alert was recorded following the possible presence of toxic substances in the air in Hamburg, Germany.

Police in the German city of Hamburg warned residents on Sunday of possible toxic substances in the air following a storage facility fire.

A spokesman for police in Hamburg said around 140 people had been evacuated and it was not immediately possible to determine the severity of the situation.

Authorities said the fire broke out in Rottenburgzart, a few kilometers southeast of Hamburg, and that the smoke cloud was moving towards the city centre.

The police spokesman said the sky had darkened as a result, but the weather made it difficult to distinguish between smoke and clouds.

The same spokesman added that the police and firefighting authorities are evaluating the situation.