A SMELL described as burning tyres, gas works and even toxic fumes drifted over the Isle of Wight yesterday (Sunday).
People living in the Ryde, Culver and St Helens areas took to social media to raise concerns about the disgusting, sulpher type smell, asking if there had been a gas leak, or whether a tanker had discharged waste into the sea.
There were similar reports in Gosport, Portsmouth, Fareham, Netley and Southampton.
Hampshire Constabulary tweeted shortly after 8pm: “We're aware of reports of an unusual smell in coastal areas across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We're working with partners to establish the cause.”
Shortly before midnight, the police said the smell seemed to have gone and advised people to call Southern Gas if it returned.