Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park ground was the scene of a mock terrorist attack last night as emergency services tested new mass decontamination equipment from the Government.

A long, tubular tent was erected in 20 minutes, with showers, clean clothes and medical checks for 'supporters' with fake injuries, and others covered in a pretend chemical powder.

Trainee club stewards ushered the people from the top tier of the Darwen End, to be met by firefighters wearing large green protective suits and gas masks.

Firefighters from Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley were joined by police and paramedics.

Pennine area fire commander Mike Painter said: "This helps Blackburn Rovers test its evacuation procedures and gives the fire brigade the chance to test the capability of this new equipment.

"It's all part of resilience work since September 11. We have two of these mass decontamination units in East Lancashire, which can deal with hundreds or thousands of people."

Assistant divisional fire officer Alan Walker said: "Each tent can deal with 200 people per hour, both able-bodied and less-able people who don't need an ambulance.

"The shower sprays water with a mild detergent, which can clean most powders and chemicals."