A "mist" that descended onto a British beach has apparently caused painful, stinging eyes, vomiting and breathing difficulties. Authorities believe a suspected chorine leak may have impacted beach-goers on Birling Gap in Sussex and have evacuated a six-mile segment of the coastline. The local hospital says it has treated 133 people. Six people initially went to hospital with minor symptoms, but by Sunday night scores were being "decontaminated" at hospital, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said. Investigations are under way into the cause of the "chemical haze", which is currently unknown. One local wrote on Twitter: "Being evacuated from #BirlingGap eyes streaming can't breathe properly not exactly what I was hoping for! "Really weird eyes streaming and coughing. It looked like a mist coming in. It doesn't appear at Seaford but was coming from West." A Sussex Police spokesman said the first report came in just before 5pm local time where "up to 50 people had been affected by irritation to eyes and throats". Surrounding roads have been closed and the public is being advised to avoid the area.