AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after 11 people suffered breathing difficulties, dizziness and sickness at a Christchurch office on Monday.

Firefighters declared a 'hazmat incident' after the casualties reported problems at Sovereign Housing Association in Grange Road just after 9.25am.

However, it was later discovered that carpet cleaning products were behind the chemical scare. The block was given a deep clean during the weekend.

Now officials have confirmed a probe into the incident is set to begin.

Councillor Vikki Slade, the eader of BCP Council, said: “We were made aware of an incident at Grange Road by the Health and Safety Executive.

"BCP Council have commenced an investigation and are in discussions with Dorset Police, Sovereign Housing and a cleaning company while we determine the cause of the problem.”

As reported, paramedics, two fire engines based at Christchurch and a hazardous materials officer rushed to the scene earlier this week.

A spokesperson from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident involved "unknown chemicals". However, it was later clarified that cleaning chemicals were responsible.

Paula Dawson, head of customer contact at Sovereign, said: “Unfortunately some of our contact team were affected by fumes following a carpet clean over the weekend.

"The symptoms were minor – for example, some dizziness and sore eyes – but everyone has been seen by paramedics as a precaution and they were released home for the day."

A spokesperson from the South Western Ambulance Service Trust said paramedics were called just before 9.20am to a property in Christchurch after reports that a number of people felt "sick and dizzy".

"Four ambulances and a senior paramedic treated 11 patients with minor injuries at the scene," the spokesperson said.

"Nobody was taken to hospital."