Hundreds treated in hospital after chemical ‘haze’ descends on Sussex coast

Hundreds of people have been treated in hospital after a mysterious chemical ‘haze’ descended on the East Sussex coast.

A stretch of coastline was evacuated yesterday evening after the haze left dozens of holidaymakers vomiting, with streaming eyes and sore throats.

Emergency services warned people to keep their doors and windows closed after people were affected along the shoreline from Eastbourne to Birling Gap, near Beachy Head. The police are now investigating the cause.

Coastguard rescue teams from Birling Gap, Eastbourne, Bexhill and Newhaven rushed to help clear the busy beaches as visitors feared they were falling victim to a chlorine leak.

A spokesman for Eastbourne District General Hospital told the BBC that 133 people had received treatment on Sunday.

Pictures later emerged showing a mist so thick that it almost completely obscured Beachy Head Lighthouse.

Sussex Police said: ‘With another fine day expected for Bank Holiday Monday, thousands of people are expected to flock to the coast once again. ‘The situation will continue to be monitored, but it is believed that this was an isolated incident and is not expected to recur.’