PEOPLE are being warned to avoid a busy city centre road after an ammonia leak.

Emergency services were first called to an "unusual smell" near Brighton train station at 1.39pm.

Shortly before 8pm, the city council announced it was an ammonia leak.

A spokeswoman said: “We have reports of an ammonia leak from a cylinder in an old disused butchers shop at 5 Terminus Road.

"The premises is next to a fish and chip shop. 

"There are no reported casualties.

"East Sussex Fire and Rescue are in attendance and dealing with the incident to contain and remove the hazard.

"People in the immediate area are being advised to avoid the area on Terminus Road and residents in the area should keep windows and doors closed.

"The council has sent an incident liaison officer to the scene.”

Buses have been diverted while the road is blocked.

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) spokeswoman said: "We were called to a property in Terminus Road, Brighton, at 1.39pm.

"This followed reports of an unusual smell.

"Crews from Preston Circus and Roedean are attending with officers from Lewes.

"Crews are currently using a Gas Detection Monitor at the scene."

A Sussex Police spokesman added: "Police are in attendance for traffic management."