Police were searching today for the source of a toxic gas cloud that forced evacuations along the East Sussex coast over the bank holiday weekend. Prevailing winds meant that it almost certainly originated in Britain, rather than floating over from northern France as early reports had suggested. Around 150 people sought medical help after the cloud, initially thought to be chlorine, caused stinging eyes, temporary blindness and vomiting. Medical authorities said that most injuries were minor, but they had yet to identify the chemicals involved. Suggestions for the origin of the cloud, which affected holidaymakers enjoying the last of the summer, ranged from a chemical spill at sea to a leak from a water treatment works.

Source: The Times August 28, 2017 16:52 UTC