An office in Lancing was evacuated after workers reporting smelling deadly ammonia gas.

Four fire engines, police and a senior environmental health officer were called to the Lloyds TSB offices in Downview House, Marlborough Road, at about 11am yesterday.

The 12 workers were told to leave the property because of the threat posed by the gas, which is potentially fatal.

Firefighters wearing gas-tight suits discovered the smell was coming from a gas tank on the roof. They isolated a valve on the unit.

An Adur Council spokesman said there was no immediate danger, although fire crews and police were at the scene until early evening.