Swimming pool evacuated after teens seen coughing

The pool in Cambridge was evacuated on Saturday morning but has now reopened

A pool was evacuated and people taken to hospital after teenagers were seen coughing during a swimming lesson.

The Abbey Leisure Complex was cleared at about 11:15 BST "following reported physical effects caused by a strong smell of chlorine in the pool", a spokesman said.

Teenagers having lessons got out after completing a lap and were seen coughing by a BBC reporter who had been attending a junior lesson with her daughter.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews "assisted with a number of casualties that were taken to hospital for precautionary treatment".

"Working with ambulance crews and staff at the centre, the crews made the area safe following an issue with the swimming pool, which resulted in it being temporarily closed," a spokesperson added.

Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), which runs the pool, confirmed emergency services arrived at 11:30.

"Following full ventilation of the building, the fire brigade confirmed no risk was present to the public and left at 12:30," the company said.

Teenagers outside the building were seen wearing foil blankets and being given cups of water.

The complex was reopened at 14:30 and the company apologised to customers for any inconvenience.

The pool is owned by Cambridge City Council and run by GLL.