Staff at the hospital's A&E department began feeling unwell

Staff at the University of North Durham began feeling unwell as they treated the 25-year-old man.

The hospital's casualty department was forced to close when emergency staff developed skin rashes and sickness on Thursday night.

Emergencies were diverted to other hospitals for a time, while the unit was decontaminated.

Police said the man was attacked by a gang of teenagers in Consett, County Durham, and had an acid-type substance squirted into his face.

Management at the �96m Durham city hospital decided to shut down the casualty unit when it became obvious staff were being affected by the strong chemical.

The decision was taken to close the hospital temporarily so that decontamination procedures could be carried out, and to minimise any risk to the public or staff Hospital spokesman

Forensic teams are analysing the corrosive chemical, which is believed to be used in the agricultural industry.

A spokesman for Durham Police said the attack on the unnamed man happened in the Moorside area of Consett.

The man, who was also struck with a baseball bat, suffered burns to his face, neck and eyes.

In a statement, the hospital said: "A male patient doused in agricultural chemicals was brought into the department during the evening.

'Chemical exposure'

"Several staff involved in his care complained of symptoms ranging from skin irritation to nausea and sickness.

"Staff at the A&E department sought advice from public health experts.

"The decision was taken to close the hospital temporarily so that decontamination procedures could be carried out, and to minimise any risk to the public or staff.

"Staff changed their clothing and showered to counter any possible chemical exposure."

No other patients were affected.

A spokesman for Durham Police said the man had suffered severe facial burns as well as bruising from the attack.

He added: "Because we did not know what we were dealing with, the hospital unit was closed between 1900 GMT and 2100 GMT."