Riga  - A chemical spill in the Latvian capital, Riga, on Thursday morning saw several hundred people evacuated from areas near the city's port amid fears of a possible explosion, reported local television news channel LNT.

A passenger ferry arriving from Stockholm was also diverted to a berth away from its usual place near the city centre on the River Daugava. Travellers were bussed into Riga.

Riga mayor Nils Usakovs said the measures were precautionary and that there was "minimal risk" of an explosion.

National Fire and Rescue Service chief Ainars Pencis said the decision to evacuate was "based on a worst-case scenario" and that the chemical involved was hydrocyanic acid, which he described as "deadly."

Emergency services and special chemical clean-up teams are attending the scene of the chemical spill and Riga residents have been told to keep away from the port area. (dpa)