A 'BAD SMELL' which prompted emergency services to close a block of flats for several hours has been identified as white spirit.
Two adults and two children were taken to hospital during the chemical incident at Eaton Manor in The Drive, Hove, last night, suffering with coughing.
Fire crews from Brighton, Hove, Surrey and West Sussex were called to the apartments, and some residents were told they could not get back inside until after 9.30pm.
Ambulances were also called in, along with a police incident commander.
Read more: Two children in hospital after reports of ‘bad smell’ in Hove
This morning, the fire brigade confirmed the bad smell inside was believed to have been caused by white spirit used after decorating.
The four who were taken to hospital were only taken as a precaution and were released later last night.
A spokesman said: “We were called at 5.30pm, and the incident concluded at 11.50pm.
"Crews found the smell was due to organic compounds, believed to be paint solvents - white spirit.
Read more: Two children in hospital after reports of ‘bad smell’ in Hove
“Two adults and children were taken to hospital for precautionary checks and have been released.
“There was a crew from Brighton, a crew from Hove, two from Surrey, and one crew from West Sussex.”
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