Two residents went to hospital after a strong smell of petrol inside homes in Plymouth left occupants feeling unwell.
Firefighters were called to Dayton Close in Crownhill following reports of a strong smell of petrol and the occupants of two separate properties feeling unwell.
Three fire appliances and an environmental support unit were sent to the scene. A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service added:
"Crews took readings at the two domestic properties and made sure both were safe."
The incident was passed on to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for further investigation.
A spokesperson for the UKHSA confirmed to Plymouth Plus that it believes the issue falls under the remit of South West Water.
However, residents say concerns surrounding the smell have been ongoing for around 10 months and claim the problem has recently become worse.
One resident told Plymouth Plus that people living in the area have been dealing with a strong smell of fuel inside their homes and gardens since last October, with some reportedly suffering headaches.
They said the problem was now "worse than when it started" and claimed residents had repeatedly contacted Environmental Health, South West Water and their local MP in an attempt to get answers.
The resident added that locals have "had enough of living with it and being told nothing" and claimed the smell had also been noticed further away near woodland in the area.
Despite the concern caused among residents, South West Water has so far provided only a brief statement about the incident.
A spokesperson for South West Water said:
"We are aware of the incident and are supporting ongoing investigations into the cause."
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