Hospitals were put on alert after lethal chemicals were spilt by reckless vandals.

A potentially deadly concoction of bright orange powders was stolen during a raid on a factory and spread across an adjacent car park at Chichester Business Park, Tangmere.

The culprits broke into a storage facility, at industrial computer manufacturers I-Bus's factory, and took 4kg of potassium dichromate and ammonium bifluoride.

When mixed together they form a highly toxic substance, which can cause cancer if absorbed through the skin.

Firefighters donned gas-tight chemical protection suits to avoid contamination as they covered the area with sand to stop the powders spreading.

Warnings were sent out to local hospitals to ensure doctors and nurses were aware they might be receiving patients with contamination symptoms.

The break-in happened during the weekend but the mess in the car park was only discovered on Monday morning.

Fire crews from nearby Chichester, Bognor and Shoreham attended and cordoned off the area.

Once the powders had been covered, the factory owners began a careful clear-up.

Divisional Officer Simon Furlong, of West Sussex fire brigade, said: "What may have been a prank could have very serious consequences."

A fire brigade spokeswoman urged the culprits to attend hospital immediately.

She said: "We do not know how much powder is on them."

John Weller, I-Bus managing director, said the factory had been plagued by vandals for months.

He said: "We're suffering constant vandalism to the point where it might cost us our business.

"This time they broke into a locked storage area, got into a fully sealed tin of chemicals and spread them everywhere."

Mr Weller said staff were kept safe thanks to his colleague David Jones, who was experienced with chemicals and cordoned off the area when he saw the spillage.