The Science Museum in central London was evacuated when three staff were taken to hospital after being affected by chemicals.

The museum, which gets more than 2,000 visitors a day, was closed when emergency services were called at 1120 BST, police said.

Twenty-fire fighters were sent to the building on Exhibition Road, South Kensington.

The museum will be closed until Friday while an investigation is carried out.

'Chemical incident'

A total of 22 staff members and contractors, complaining of itchy eyes and sore throats, were checked over by the London Ambulance Service.

The two men and woman who work at the museum were taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. They are not thought to be seriously ill.

A spokesman for the attraction said: "The Science Museum has been evacuated following a suspected chemical incident and will be closed for the remainder of Thursday 20 May.

"No visitors have been affected by the incident."

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: "Three members of museum staff are being treated by the London Ambulance Service for irritation to the eyes."