Sussex Police issued a warning on Sunday following reports of up to 150 people suffering eye and throat irritation from a mysterious haze suspected to come from a chemical leak.
The warning told residents from Eastbourne to Birling Gap to stay away from the beaches and keep doors and windows shut as the mysterious chemical mist drifted over the coastline.
"This seems to have been caused by an unknown haze coming in from the sea, but the source has not yet been established," the Sussex police statement read.
Police later moved to assure residents it was "extremely unlikely" that it was a chlorine leak as it was suggested on social media.
"It appears that the last reports were received some three hours after the first, but long queues built up at Eastbourne General District Hospital well into the evening, with approximately 150 people being treated," a statement read.
"However, the effects were mostly minor and it was not necessary to admit anyone for further treatment."
Residents were told to wash their face with soap and water if affected by the haze.
Locals turned to social media to post photos of beaches just before the haze took over and after the mist arrived.
Share
