A gas company has responded to the "vile" smell over Bootle that people say is making them sick.
All week, people in the Sefton area have reported a putrid smell over the town that has left them concerned.
A number of residents contacted the ECHO worried over a suspected gas leak that could have been causing it.
But Cadent gas, the emergency gas service, has said there is no leak in the area.
Dozens had taken to a local community Facebook group to discuss the smell over the last few days.
One said: "It's been on and off for days, it's vile. Apparently it is coming from the docks."
Another resident said: "The smell has been with us for a couple of weeks. I can even smell it at 5.30 in the morning on my way to work and it does smell a bit like gas."
One local said: "It's awful, makes me feel ill. Had to go down at 3am other morn and turn my gas off at its mains.
"I've had to shut my widow yet again through it tonight. Makes me wonder is this the reason I suffer with headaches."
And now a spokesperson for Cadent gas has confirmed the smell is nothing to worry over and hopefully it will go away.
What do you think the smell is? Let us know in the comments below
In a statement, they said: "We’ve had an increase in calls this week about a gas-like smell in the air – mainly around the L20, L30 and L6 postcode areas.
“Our engineers have checked these all out and found nothing that indicates a gas leak.
"We do though check every one to confirm, with equipment that detects the tiniest traces of natural gas.”
Thankfully, the service has provided a suggestion for what might be causing the smell.
Keep up to date with the latest news in your area by entering your postcode below
Cadent added: "We get this from time to time – a gas-like smell, that lasts for a few hours, then goes. Then sometimes comes back again.
“Lots of industrial processes can lead to such a smell, as can fuel spillages, activities at docks and at sea, and lots of other things.
“That said, and this is very important, if anyone smells gas they must call us about it. What they can smell might be completely unconnected and we must check to make sure.
“The national gas emergency service – to ring if you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak – is available on 0800 111 999, day and night.”
