Chemical Gas Cloud - Health

SUSSEX POLICE UPDATE 1057 MONDAY 28th AUG:

A gas cloud that affected hundreds of people along the coast of East Sussex on Sunday afternoon (August 27) appears to have dissipated and advice to keep windows and doors closed has now been withdrawn.

Around 150 people attended Eastbourne District General Hospital and small numbers continued to attend into the early hours, but no further reports of the gas were received after mid-evening.

Neither the gas nor its source have been established, but agencies are continuing to investigate and have not ruled out either on-shore or off-shore locations, although it does appear that it did sweep in from the sea driven by on-shore breezes. However, weather models suggest that an onshore source in northern France is very unlikely.

While reports of those seeking medical treatment have now dwindled away, anyone still suffering the effects are advised by Public Health England to irrigate their eyes if they are irritated and to wash any other irritated areas with plenty of soap and water.

If you were affected and after taking the precautions recommended you still feel ill, contact 111 for advice and only visit your local A&E if you are still suffering significant effects.

Reports of a chlorine cloud on the coast of Birling Gap, Eastbourne and is rolling into Seaford Bay. People in these areas are advised to keep doors and windows shut with over 50 people reported to be suffering with the effects of the cloud. Having looked at the Newhaven Webcams, the cloud looks to be moving into Seaford Bay.

More information as we get it

Full police statement:

A 'haze' that is causing discomfort for people along the coast from Eastbourne to Birling Gap has prompted emergency services to warn people to stay away from the beaches and to keep doors and windows closed if living near the coast.

The first report came from Birling Gap just before 5pm on Sunday (August 27) where up to 50 people had been affected by irritation to eyes and throats.

This seems to have been caused by an unknown haze coming in from the sea, but the source has not yet been established. Emergency services are treating people at Birling Gap and clearing the area. People living along the coast in the area have been advised to keep doors and windows shut and to move away from the Birling Gap area in particular.

South East Coast Ambulance advice:

If you feel any effects, such as stinging eyes, the South East Coast Ambulance Service is advising to wash with copious amounts of water and that if you have any serious concerns then you should seek medical advice.  People are urged not to go to hospital unless an absolute emergency. This comes after Eastbourne declares a Major Incident.

Main points:

• Beachy Head has been evacuated
• Source not yet known
• Newhaven Lifeboat were launched to search for the source
• Reports of cloud moving eastwards to Hastings (waiting for official confirmation)