50 hurt in toxic cloud terror
Cops probe source of mystery sea haze
UP to 50 people were taken ill yesterday when a chemical mist, feared to be chlorine gas, drifted in from the sea at a popular beach.
Parents fled with their children as the toxic cloud left victims with nasty symptoms including vomiting, breathing problems, stinging eyes and sore throats.
Police are probing the source of the mystery haze, which struck a six-mile stretch of the East Sussex coastline on Britain’s hottest August Bank Holiday weekend in years.
The cloud had crept inland from Eastbourne to Birling Gap.
A police spokesman said: “A ‘haze’ caused discomfort for people along the coast and prompted emergency services to warn people to stay away from the beaches and to keep doors and windows closed if living near the coast.”
Tourists evacuated from the beach told how the mist had ruined a sunny day by the seaside. Dan Sankey posted on Twitter: “Beautiful afternoon at Birling Gap cut short by some weird mist, burning everyone’s eyes which led to the beach and cliff being evacuated.”
Sameer Jadhav added: “Birling Gap some weird gas leak. People crying. Ambulances called. Don’t go to Birling Gap at the moment.” And Kyle Crickmore said: “Some sort of chemical incident at Birling Gap, eyes are streaming and there’s a strong smell of chlorine.”
The coastguard was called in to clear the footpaths of walkers. Lifeboats were also sent out amid fears people were trapped on the beaches.
An RNLI spokesman said: “We have been checking along the shoreline to try and ensure that everyone is safe.”
He said a “plume” had drifted across the area bringing “some sort of substance” with it which seemed to affect a number of people.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: “Public warned to avoid Birling Gap area as emergency services dealing with potential environmental issue. Many casualties.”