Experts have said that they have recorded a higher than usual level of radiation at Sellafield nuclear fuel reprocessing plant.

The inspectors have ordered all non-essential staff to stay at home until the radiation levels are brought under control. Sellafield, which is the site of Britain's worst nuclear accident in 1957, has pointed out that there is no risk to the public from the situation. The government has also affirmed that there is not risk to the public and the situation is being addressed at the plant.

The plant was once used for producing plutonium for nuclear bombs. The operator said that the facilitywas operating normally but a higher than normal radiation was recorded via an air monitor at a perimeter fence. The Britain's state nuclear decommissioning agency that owns the site has said that source of the reading is not clear.

The plant in located outside Britain's striking Lake District national park on the coast of the Irish sea in northwest England.

Bill Hamilton, a spokesman from NDA said, "It is far too early to say there is a leak. Everything being done is precautionary. There is no danger to the workforce, communities or wildlife. At the moment we don't know where the radiation is coming from."