British Emergency services have evacuated a beach in Sussex after a suspected chemical leak.

People on the beach at Birling Gap reported painful, stinging eyes and breathing difficulties after a "mist" appeared, the BBC reported on Sunday.

Sussex Police said there was an "unknown haze coming in from the sea" affecting the East Sussex coastline.

Surrounding roads have been closed and the public is being advised to avoid the area.

A police spokesman said the first report came in just before 17:00 BST where "up to 50 people had been affected by irritation to eyes and throats".

source:wam