Homes were evacuated and a cordon set up as emergency services responded to reports of a suspected chemical incident.

Firefighters, police and ambulance crews attended Cedar Way in Haywards Heath yesterday afternoon at around 5pm after a "chemical odour" was reported.

Several homes were evacuated, a cordon was put in place and residents were urged to keep their windows shut.

Dozens of emergency service crews filled the street, which was closed for several hours.

After five hours of testing, crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue were unable to find any hazardous materials.

The Argus: Police at the scene yesterdayPolice at the scene yesterday (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A spokesman for the fire service said: “We were called at 4.49pm on August 7 to reports of a chemical odour within a property on Cedar Way in Haywards Heath.

“Joint fire control mobilised three fire engines to the scene along with the breathing apparatus support unit, the incident command unit, and a detection identification and monitoring vehicle from Surrey FRS.

“Sussex Police and the Secamb, including their hazardous area response team, were also in attendance. A safety cordon was put in place to allow emergency service staff to work safely and a number of neighbouring properties were evacuated while investigations were carried out. Residents living within the vicinity were urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus conducted a number of tests and no hazardous materials were found. The gas supply was isolated and SGN (Scotia Gas Networks) was requested to carry out further tests.

“After extensive testing, the last fire crew left the scene shortly after 11pm.”