‘No risk to public’ as gas cloud reaches London from France

Luke Jacobs Tuesday, January 22, 2013
1:17 PM

London’s emergency services have been quick to dampen any fears after a gas cloud reached the south of the capital.

The rotten-egg type smell, which has already sparked concern among people in Sussex and Kent, originated from a leak in a factory in Rouen in France.

The Metropolitan Police tweeted today: “We are aware of reports of a strong noxious gas like smell in some South East London boroughs - no risks to public.”

Residents in the two counties have been urged to keep their windows shut, although the gas is non-toxic.

The London Fire Brigade said it had received 25 calls from across the capital relating to gas incidents since 10.30am.

The Heath Protection Agency said the gas had diluted since blowing over the Channel overnight.

A spokesman said: “The smell drifting over Southern England today poses no risk to public health. The odour, which is similar to rotten eggs, has been noticed by people mainly in Kent, East and West Sussex and some parts of Surrey.

“It is caused by a particularly smelly chemical that is added to odourless natural gas to give that its characteristic smell.

“It is an unpleasant odour which may cause some people to feel slightly nauseous but it will dispel naturally.”

Londoners who can smell gas in their homes are still advised to call the national gas emergency number on 0800 111 999.