Firefighters called to Sandbanks hotel in Poole, Dorset, to deal with incident thought to involve chlorine gas
An exclusive hotel has been evacuated following a "chemical incident".
Fire services were called to the four-star Sandbanks hotel in Poole, Dorset, at 10.50am on Friday.
A spokesman said paramedics were attending to one person at the scene.
Around 20 firefighters from Poole and Westbourne were dealing with the incident, which was believed to involve chlorine gas and liquid.
The hazardous materials officer and station manager for Dorset fire and rescue, Louis Minchella, said: "A 60-metre cordon has been put in place around the hotel and all guests have been evacuated.
"We are dealing with a gas leak which can be potentially harmful to people.
"Fire crews will be committed in gas-tight suits to investigate and isolate.
"The beach and road surrounding the hotel have been closed."
The hotel – with 108 guest rooms – is situated in one of England's most exclusive locations, with direct access to Sandbanks's blue flag beach on one side and views of Brownsea Island and the Purbecks on the other.
It boasts seven miles of golden sands with views of Old Harry Rocks, Poole and Bournemouth Bay round to Hengistbury Head and across to the Isle of Wight.
