'Unknown' chemical haze along Sussex Coast is threatening local citizens

World
Europe

Police in Sussex are urging local people to stay away from beaches and close their windows as well as doors in order to avoid an “unknown chemical haze,” multiple foreign media reported today.

Up to 50 people at the beach at Birling Gap, near Eastbourne, initially reported irritation to their eyes and throats, according to the Sussex Police, who later confirmed that 233 people have already been sent to hospitals for treatment.

Twitter screenshot /Huffingtonpost Photo

They pointed out that it "seems to have been caused by an unknown haze coming in from the sea,” but the exact source “has not yet been established" and investigations were continuing.

Twitter screenshot /Huffingtonpost Photo

According to Dwan Whittaker, an East Sussex fire rescue officer, the local emergency services have already been cleared to deal with this “potential environmental issue.”

Many local people living near the coast witnessed the haze and posted pictures on Twitter.

Twitter screenshot /Huffingtonpost Photo

It is reported that the main affected area may be stretched several miles and have impacts on more regions from Birling Gap to some other famous cliffs at Beach Head, according to SkyNews.

As a result, many stores in Eastbourne have already been asked to shut down by the local police.