THE Government has launched an investigation into a mystery chemical mist which put 150 people in hospital.

The mist shrouded the coastline round Birling Gap in August, causing stinging eyes and breathing difficulties for people at the beauty spot.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a review into “all aspects” of the incident.

In particular the review is expected to examine why a sample of the mist was not taken at the time.

Defra previously reported “appropriate equipment was not available at the site and the gas cloud dispersed quickly”.

Eastbourne’s Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Lloyd said discussions with various bodies suggested the cause was down to “a passing ship doing an illegal clean-out with bleach”.