The cause of a potentially lethal chemical leak that put seven people in hospital has been revealed.

Emergency services rushed to Wren Road, Dagenham, on Saturday (August 10) at about 10pm as people struggling to breathe were evacuated from their homes.

Seven were rushed to hospital after reportedly being exposed to palytoxin, a chemical released from coral in fish tanks that can lead to death.

The London Fire Brigade today (August 13) provided an update on the cause of the leak.

"The cause of the incident is believed to have been a possible exposure to chemicals from an aquarium," a spokesperson said.

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The Metropolitan Police yesterday (August 12) said the seven treated in hospital after the leak had only sustained minor respiratory issues.

They had been taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service, which was called at 9.46pm on August 10.

The fire brigade had also attended after being called at 10.02pm that day to support other emergency services.