Toxic fumes at a luxury four-star hotel have left 24 people in hospital.

       Firefighters were called to Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley, Hampshire, after a number of hotel guests were “overcome” by fumes in the spa.

       Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service said chlorine – a poisonous gas – had been created after two chemicals were “accidentally” mixed together.

       A spokesperson for the brigade said crews began immediate emergency care, set up a casualty handling area and requested the ambulance service to attend after being called to the incident at 8.44pm on Monday.

       They added: “A ventilation fan was used to clear the fumes and firefighters took the vessel containing chemicals to fresh air. Gas monitors were used to check that the scene was safe.

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       “In total, 24 people were taken to hospital by ambulance crews.”

       Dave Graham, station manager at Havant fire station, said it was a “large-scale incident with multiple people requiring medical treatment for the inhalation of gas”.

       He added that the scene was “made safe” before the incident was handed over to hotel management. The emergency came to an end at 1.27am.

       Firefighters from Hightown, Fareham, Cosham, Portchester, St Mary’s and Romsey attended the emergency alongside p aramedics and the Hazardous Area Response Team from South Central Ambulance Service.