Two children in hospital after reports of ‘bad smell’ in Hove

Eaton Manor in The Drive was cordoned off and the fire service said some flats had been evacuated.

But some people remained inside the building, and could be seen looking down at emergency services below.

Two children were treated at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton after they started coughing.

Read more: Eaton Manor Hove chemical incident caused by white spirit

They were not in a serious condition and this was said to be a "precautionary measure".

The cordon was lifted and people were allowed back inside at about 9.40pm.

The fire service confirmed the next morning that the smell had been caused by white spirit.

Noah Gurklys, aged 12, lives in the building opposite.

Accompanied by a parent, he said: "I saw the flashing lights and came outside.

"At first it was only one car so I thought someone might be injured. 

"Then there was like seven fire engines and ambulances coming up the road and it was quite scary."

Doreen Baxter, 70, ran outside to check if the emergency services had come for her neighbour, who is ill.

She said: "I have never seen anything like it. So many ambulances, fire engines and police cars, it's really quite something."

Another bystander, Trudic Bowen, 53, managed to get into the building to see her 86-year-old mother on the third floor.

She said: "I wasn't that worried when I came in and saw one vehicle.

"But I am concerned as there are a lot more now."

Read more: Eaton Manor Hove chemical incident caused by white spirit

Residents on the top floor could be seen pacing up and down and making phone calls.

The lower floors appear unaffected and residents could be seen inside watching television.

Police initially said they could not attend as they did not have the equipment needed to deal with hazardous materials.

Duaa Ali, aged 30, lives on the third floor.

She said: "I am worried. My mother and son are inside and [emergency services] are not letting people in or out.

"Apparently we are fine, but the firemen pointed to the top flat in the middle of the block when I asked where the problem is.

Read more: Eaton Manor Hove chemical incident caused by white spirit

"I've heard there has been a funny smell since Thursday but I didn't smell anything.

"I've just got back from work and I've got to find somewhere else to stay tonight."

One man, who was stuck outside, said he had heard there was a problem with "solvents" or other chemicals on Saturday.

Another, 34-year-old Lloyd Hemming, could not get back into his flat after a 13-hour shift.

Read more: Eaton Manor Hove chemical incident caused by white spirit

Waving at his flatmate, who was on the fourth floor, he said: "I'm tired and obviously just want to get inside after a long day.

"They have told me we should be allowed back inside shortly."

A fire service spokesman said: "We are waiting for a team to arrive with some specialist detection equipment to find out what this smell is.

"The surrounding roads are closed and the police are in attendance.

"The building has been evacuated and the ambulance service are in attendance as well, as a precaution.

"It is an ongoing incident at the moment. Residents are being advised to stay away from the area."

Three ambulance cars arrived at the scene at 7.30pm.

Fire engines were stationed either side of the building.

A spokeswoman for the ambulance service said: "We have attended and we have taken two children to the Royal Alexandra, not in a serious condiiton, more as a precaution.

"We have our hazardous area response team crews still on the scene.

"It appears there was a strange smell."

Read more: Eaton Manor Hove chemical incident caused by white spirit