A major incident has been declared after an oil leak from the Wytch Farm facility in the Purbecks which is one of the largest onshore oil fields in Europe.

The operator, Perenco, has confirmed there has been a "limited oil leak" at one of its well sites at Wytch Farm, adding that its "incident management team was activated immediately" and the "leak was stopped".

Perenco has said it is working closely with the relevant authorities and a clean-up operation is under way.

Franck Dy, Perenco's Wytch Farm general manager, said: 
"Any spill is an extremely serious matter and a full investigation will be launched to ascertain what happened in Poole Harbour. It is important to stress that the situation is under control, with the discharge of fluids having been stopped and the spill is being contained."

Philip Broadhead, the leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, commented:
"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."

Perenco holds a 95% share in Wytch Farm.

KeyFacts Energy: Perenco UK country profile