UK police close Worthing seafront after hazardous material report

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In this photo taken on Aug 26, 2017, a couple are seen on the beach in Worthing, Britain. In August 2017 up to 50 people at the coast near Eastbourne, about 60 km from Worthing, suffered irritation to their eyes and throats from an unidentified chemical haze. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON (REUTERS) - The seafront in the resort of Worthing on England's south coast was closed for a few hours on Sunday (Aug 11) afternoon after a small number of people reported symptoms including sore eyes and vomiting, police said.

A cordon was put in place along the seafront earlier on Sunday and people were advised to shut all windows and doors or stay away from the area.

Sussex Police later said all the cordons had been lifted and the seafront was open as usual.

Two people were checked at hospital before being discharged and advised to go home, wash their clothes and have a shower, police said.

An investigation into the incident was ongoing, police said, and a number of lines of enquiry were being followed up.

In August 2017 up to 50 people at the coast near Eastbourne, about 60 km from Worthing, suffered irritation to their eyes and throats from an unidentified chemical haze.

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