A HAZARDOUS substance on the seafront has left people vomiting and suffering with eye problems. 

Emergency services were called to the incident on Sunday morning after the dangerous material was found on Worthing seafront.

The Argus:

A cordon was set up along the seafront between Grand Avenue and Windsor Road, and people were being advised to shut all windows and doors, or stay away from the area.

Two people were taken to hospital.

They were discharged hours later and advised to wash their clothes.

Anyone else affected is advised to do the same – and use copious amounts of water to wash your eyes.

A staff member at Coast Cafe said people were calm and that "a couple of people were complaining of itchy eyes".

"They've cleared the seafront and we've got the windows closed and are locked in," she added.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said it was called "following reports that a small number of people were suffering sore eyes and vomiting on the beach at Worthing. We have sent an initial response but have no further information at this time".

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: "WSFRS officers are continuing to work with multi partner agencies to assess the scene at Worthing seafront."

Former windsurfing world champion and Olympian Christine Johnston has run Kite, Surf and Sup Co for six years and was on the beach preparing kitesurfing lessons at 12.15pm when she and her students were told to leave by beach patrol.

"They came along on their buggy and said we should leave with immediate effect because there had been an incident," she said.

"They said a few people had been hospitalised. They were covering their mouths with clothing.

"I did ask [what was happening] but they wouldn't comment.

"They told us they were going to go down the area affected, between Lancing and Worthing. We went up to the cafe and saw quite a lot of movement of police cars and an ambulance.

"My eyes were a bit sore and itchy, and a friend who was on the beach said she felt her eyes were sore too."

A police spokesman said: "The investigation is ongoing and we will release more information as soon as we are able to."