Firefighters rushed to the Solent Hotel in Whiteley, near Fareham, in response to a 999 call. Paramedics also attended the incident.

       Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews from Hightown, Fareham, Cosham, Portchester, St Mary’s and Romsey worked alongside paramedics and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) last night after what was called "a hazardous materials incident".

       Crews were called at 8:44pm after reports that a number of hotel guests had been overcome by fumes in the spa area after two chemicals had accidentally been mixed together and created chlorine gas.

       Firefighters began immediate emergency care, set up a casualty handling area, and requested the ambulance service to attend.

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       A ventilation fan was used to clear the fumes and firefighters took the vessel containing chemicals to fresh air.

       Gas monitors were then used to check that the scene was safe.

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

       Station Manager, Dave Graham, said: “This was a large-scale incident with multiple people requiring medical treatment for the inhalation of gas.

       “We worked well alongside our colleagues from SCAS and SCAS HART to make sure that everyone received the help they needed and to ensure that the scene was made safe.

       “We handed the incident over to the hotel management.”

       The stop message was received at 1:27am.

       Capital S Coast News tweeted: "24 people have been taken to hospital after chlorine gas was released at the Solent Hotel in Whiteley.

       "Fire crews say two chemicals were accidentally mixed, and people were treated for gas inhalation."

       A spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance Services said it had received a call at 8.47pm after reports of an incident involving people being "overcome by fumes" as a result of a chemical incident.

       She added: "We sent to the scene four ambulance officers, our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and eight ambulance crews who worked closely alongside partners from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to respond to the situation and to care for those who needed medical attention.

       "Twenty-four patients, ranging from children to those in their 50s, were assessed and treated by our ambulance teams for breathing difficulties.

       "Following treatment at the scene by our crews those patients were taken to University Hospital Southampton for further assessment for those non life-threatening injuries."