An unexplained "chemical haze" at a popular tourist beach on Britain's south coast has left more than 100 people with irritated eyes and throats.

Key points: The affected area stretches from Birling Gap to Eastbourne on Britain's south coast

The affected area stretches from Birling Gap to Eastbourne on Britain's south coast Sussex police urged people in the area to stay off the beach and keep doors and windows shut

Sussex police urged people in the area to stay off the beach and keep doors and windows shut The haze seems to have been coming from an unknown source from the sea

The Birling Gap beach was evacuated on Sunday afternoon (local time) after people reported breathing difficulties, stinging eyes and vomiting when the "mist" appeared.

By Sunday night, 133 patients were being "decontaminated" in hospital, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said.

Sussex Police issued a statement saying it was "an unknown haze coming in from the sea, but the source has not yet been established".

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The popular tourist destination had been bustling with people before the haze hit, according to witnesses at the beach.

Kyle Crickmore was at Birling Gap with his family and told the BBC the beach emptied in 10 minutes after people began to feel unwell.

Mr Crickmore said a "foggy haze rolled in out of nowhere" and there was a "strong smell of chlorine in the air".

"It was definitely out of the ordinary considering it was a nice clear sunny day 10 minutes beforehand," he said.

People living along the coast have been advised to keep windows and doors shut since the incident.

Police continue to monitor the situation, but believe it was an isolated incident.

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AP