Roads shut after mystery chemical leak

A 15-mile stretch of the A28 between Hastings and Rye was closed while emergency services tried to identify the substance.

Police at the scene experienced a burning to the eyes and the back of the throat so the decision was taken to shut the road immediately.

Motorists were told to be on their guard and people living nearby were warned to keep their windows closed while investigations continued.

It took five hours before officials from the Environment Agency, Highways Agency, local councils and police were able to establish the chemical was not hazardous.

Police said it was not diesel or petrol.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service crews were also at the scene.

Investigations are now continuing to try and trace the vehicle responsible for the spill and to establish exactly what the chemical was.

The drama began at around 3.45pm on Friday when police received several 999 calls in the area from drivers who were crashing their cars.

When they arrived they found the road was coated with a substance that was making it slippery and officers reported sore throats and eyes.

The closure caused serious tailbacks and major traffic disruption throughout Friday night's rush-hour and police thanked drivers for their patience.

The police officers affected by the spill made a full recovery and nobody else suffered any problems.

Sussex Police chief inspector Dick Coats said: "The closing of a major road is something we try to avoid due to the inconvenience it causes.

"However on this occasion we had to take into account the safety and wellbeing of the public.

"This was not a decision that was taken lightly."

Police believe the driver of the vehicle responsible may not even have been aware of the leak at the time.

Inspector Andrew Eastwood of Sussex Police said: "Tests have been conducted and it's inconclusive what the substance is."

They are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to contact 0845 6070999.