Ford UK Parts and Distribution Centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire, has suspended operations while external specialists clean the site due to asbestos concerns, the BBC reports.

It comes after white asbestos, also known as chrysotile, was discovered in pieces of cement at the site. Asbestos can cause cancer if pieces are disturbed and inhaled. As a precaution, picking and put away operations for parts at the site have been paused.

In a letter to customers, Ford said that parts orders would be re-rerouted to Germany and Spain as part of a “contingency action” that was in place.

It continued: "This means that parts which can be supplied from those locations will be shipped to the UK and Ireland, although this will result in extended lead time."

A spokesperson told the BBC: "We are fully committed to providing a safe working environment and are keeping our employees updated regularly.”

There was no indication was to when the cleaning would be completed and the centre would resume operations.