A couple were taken to hospital after chlorine and petrol caused a chemical reaction in their garage.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews attended the incident in Steeles Lane, Meopham, at about 2.15pm today.

A spokesman said that on arrival at the property, crews were faced with no fire but a strong chemical smell.

The property owners were present and explained to the firefighters how they had discovered the garage full of smoke caused by a small open-topped container of chlorine that had been contaminated by a pot of petrol.

The spokesman said the petrol leaked onto the chlorine ,causing a reaction which produced fumes.

The owner of the property had used water to suppress the fumes, he added.

Crews cordoned off the house and garage and entered the property wearing breathing apparatus and placed the pot containing chlorine into a sealed container.

The garage and house was then ventilated. The husband and wife complained of feeling tight chested as a result of breathing in the chlorine fumes. Crews gave the couple oxygen treatment before they were taken to hospital as a precaution.

The spokesman added: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service would always advise the safe storage of all chemicals in sealed containers. The chemicals should also be stored away from any danger of being contaminated by other chemicals."