Sussex gas cloud danger clears but cause remains unknown

A gas cloud that affected hundreds of people along the East Sussex coast appears to have dissipated, police say.

Residents had been urged to keep windows and doors closed after the unknown haze emerged on Sunday, but this advice has now been withdrawn.

People were left with streaming eyes, sore throats and nausea – with about 150 seeking treatment at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Police are now trying to determine what type of gas caused the irritation, as well as the source of the "chemical haze".

It is believed the gas had been swept in from the sea, although weather models suggest that an onshore source in northern France is "very unlikely".

Public Health England is urging anyone who is still suffering the effects of irritation to irrigate their eyes and wash any other agitated areas with plenty of soap and water.

Posts on social media had suggested the gas involved may have been chlorine, but this has been described as "extremely unlikely" by the fire service.

Irritation was initially reported by tourists visiting the clifftops and beach at Birling Gap near Eastbourne just before 5pm.

The effects of the haze were also reported as far as Bexhill and towards Hastings, more than 20 miles away.

Mark Battershill, who was one of those affected, told Sky News he was left with stinging eyes and a sore throat after coming into contact with the mystery chemical.

He said some people had complained that they were having difficulty breathing.

Conditions are being monitored at Birling Gap, a popular tourist hotspot, throughout Bank Holiday Monday.

(c) Sky News 2017: Sussex gas cloud danger clears but cause remains unknown