Children back home after gas leak

Emergency services responded after the children became ill

Seven children who were treated for respiratory problems following a chlorine gas leak in County Antrim have been discharged from hospital.

The children were playing in a pool at the Silvercliffs holiday village in Ballycastle on Saturday when they became unwell.

A total of 12 children were taken to the the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. Seven were detained overnight.

No one from the park was available for comment.

Station commander Gary Davison from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said they had received a call at about 1430 BST to a "leak of chlorine gas".

The incident happened at Silvercliffs holiday village

"The two fire appliances that arrived very quickly from Ballycastle were faced with a number of casualties with symptoms of irritation to the eyes and also breathing difficulties," he said.

"Immediately we put in a cordon and started to evacuate the reception area and also a bar adjacent to the premises.

"This initial evacuation of the premises has resulted in fewer casualties presenting themselves."

Mr Davison said fire, police and ambulance services had all been involved in the operation at the holiday village.

He said an adult who worked at the pool was among those who were treated in hospital.