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Freak weather blows in stench from the French
Winds blow Europe`s pollution pong across capital
LONDONERS were today told “Don`t panic” as a terrible smell enveloped the capital.
Hundreds of thousands of people woke up to a powerful odour and rang emergency services in alarm.
But experts said the smell was harmless and was caused by freak weather conditions bringing winds from France and continental Europe .
People reported that the stench was affecting the whole of London and as far afield as Surrey, Berkshire , Kent and Hertfordshire. The Met Office said the smell was caused by a combination of agricultural and industrial pollution carried from Northern Europe . Forecaster Sarah Holland said: “Over the last few days, fresh winds have been blowing eastwards. The origins of the smell come from Europe and have brought in pollution. When the wind blows from the west, it is coming from the Atlantic so it brings in virtually no pollution, but when it is eastwards it comes across land. “The Met Office issued a warning for people not to panic after it was inundated with calls.
Thames Water and the Fire Brigade fielded inquiries and the smell even permeated the main agenda on radio stations and blogs. One discussion board post said: “it does smell specifically of dog poo, but I don`t know of any canine who could spread his stench this far!”
The odour is due to hang around for up to three days.
THELONDONNEWS
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