THIRTEEN people have been treated by paramedics after a gas leak at a hotel swimming pool this afternoon.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the pool at the four-star Ashford International Hotel, in Kent, just after 3pm.

The hotel was evacuated and Public Health England and Ashford Borough Council are investigating/

Owned by QHotels, the complex has a spa and health club, 179 bedrooms and 19 conference and event spaces.

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service said: "Ambulance crews including our Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene following reports of people suffering from breathing difficulties.

"A total of 13 people were assessed and treated at the scene.

"One woman was taken to William Harvey Hospital for precautionary reasons."

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service added: "Crews wearing breathing apparatus and gas-tight suits carried out a search and made the scene safe while paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service's hazardous area response team treated 13 people.

"Kent Fire and Rescue Service is working with Public Health England and the local authority, Ashford Borough Council to determine the circumstances of the incident."

Sun Online have contacted Kent Police and the hotel for a response.