Police are continuing to support the investigation into the gas cloud that enveloped the East Sussex coastline over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The source of the emission on Sunday, August 28, is now believed to have been a ship so Sussex Police has scaled back its role.

The Environment Agency, which looks into onshore sources, said that it has not identified anything that could have caused the mist, which irritated the eyes, mouths and throats of 150 people.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which is undertaking similar investigations offshore, has said inquiries may take several days to conclude.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "It is understandable the public want answers; however, all agencies involved have asked that investigators are given time to carry out their work rather than speculate on possible causes."

Chief Superintendent Di Roskilly said: "This has been an incident that has called upon the resources of a large number of services and agencies and for some of those, including Sussex Police, it has now concluded. However, we remain in touch with colleagues and should our support be needed, we will, of course, be happy to assist."

The haze first hit Birling Gap before travelling over Eastbourne, Bexhill and Newhaven. While it didn't reach Kent the county's police force issued a warning.