THE Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is still trying to workout what caused a chemical haze but believes it was generated at sea.

On Sunday a mystery toxic cloud caused problems in the Birling Gap and Eastbourne areas with people taken to hospital with sore throats, sickness and streaming eyes.

As part of the MCA’s investigations a spokesman said they were considering a number of possibilities such as discharges from a vessel, previously unreported lost cargo and emissions from known shipwrecks.

He said: “We have identified approximately 180 vessels that passed through the English Channel off the coast of Eastbourne on Sunday, August 27.

“We are working with all relevant Environmental and Public Health regulators to conclude these investigations.”