A couple were taken to hospital after breathing in fumes caused by a chemical reaction in their garage yesterday (August 2).

Firefighters were called to Steeles Lane, Meopham at around 2.15pm after the couple discovered their garage was full of smoke.

A small open-topped container of chlorine had been contaminated by a pot of petrol, causing a strong chemical smell.

Petrol leaked onto the chlorine triggering a reaction, which produced fumes.

The property owner used water to suppress the fumes before Kent Fire and Rescue Service arrived.

Fire crews cordoned off the house before entering the garage wearing breathing apparatus and placing the chlorine pot into a sealed contained.

Firefighters gave the married couple oxygen treatment after they complained of feeling tight chested due to breathing in the fumes.

Paramedics took them to hospital as a precaution.

The garage and house was ventilated.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We 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.”