Sixteen treated after carbon monoxide leak at flats

Sixteen people have been treated for carbon monoxide inhalation after a leak from a diesel generator near a block of residential flats.

Residents of Queen's Apartments in Robertson Terrace, were evacuated shortly before 19:00 GMT on Tuesday due to the leak.

South East Coast Ambulance (Secamb) spokesperson said: "Sixteen patients were assessed and treated at the scene before seven patients were taken to hospital for further checks."

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, which worked with Southern Gas Networks (SGN), said they residents were evacuated after "high levels of CO came from a diesel generator at a commercial premises" which affected surrounding flats.

A spokesperson for the fire service added: "The A259 Seafront access was closed by police to enable emergency services to deal with the incident."

They added fire crews left the scene by 23.55 GMT on Tuesday.

Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye, said: "My thoughts are with all the residents affected.

"There will now be a full investigation into how this happened and any lessons must be learned.

"I would urge anyone reading this to check they have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted at home. This invisible gas can be a silent killer without one."

SGN has been approached for comment.

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