A PROBE has been launched after a mysterious smell wafted across the Solent.

Gas company, SGN, has confirmed it is investigating the "unusual" stench, which was reportedly smelt in areas such as Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight on Sunday night.

However the company says it has so far found no evidence that the stink was related to its network.

SGN spokesperson Hannah Brett said: "We’ve had a number of calls regarding a smell in the air in the Solent and Isle of Wight area (on Sunday evening).

"There’s nothing so far to suggest the smell came from our network, however we would always recommend that anyone who can smell gas should call the national gas emergency number on 0800 111 999."

Hampshire Constabulary say residents in areas of the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham, Netley and Southampton reported the strange smell to its operators on Sunday night.

A spokesperson for the force says the stink appears to have disappeared from "most areas" and officers have not received any further reports since Sunday.

The spokesperson added: "We continue to work alongside our colleagues from our partner agencies to ascertain the cause of the smell.

"However, if you do notice the smell has returned, please report it to Southern Gas."