FAWLEY refinery says it has resolved a "minor" operational issue that caused a strong smell of gas in the area.

ExxonMobil, which runs the huge petro-chemical complex, was alerted to the odour on Tuesday evening.

Posting online they said: "Our team has been responding to reports of a smell of gas in the local area.

"We wanted to let you know that we are aware of the concerns and will continue to investigate the matter. 

"Please continue to monitor this channel for any updates we may have."

In update ExxonMobil added: "We experienced a minor operational disruption that caused an unpleasant smell in some localised areas near to the site.

"Our onsite team investigated and have safely and effectively resolved the issue. We would like to apologise for any disturbance this may have caused."

No further details have been released.

READ MORE: Fawley refinery blames sudden release of air for huge bang that shook homes

In March people living near the refinery sought safety assurances after their homes were shaken by a deafening bang.

Sirens sounded and firefighters at nearby Hardley were put on alert following a "massive boom" that rattled windows and sparked widespread alarm in the area.

It was the latest in a series of incidents at the refinery.

Last November the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation after an incident involving the collapse of a 100-tonne steel platform and a leak of liquid petroleum gas.

In February this year 100 litres of residual gas oil leaked from a pipe and contaminated part of Southampton Water.

In recent months the repeated use of Fawley's flares, the refinery's safety valve, has also caused concern.

Earlier this month a plume of dark-coloured smoke was seen billowing from a stack on one of the refinery's combustion units.

Posting online ExxonMobil Fawley said there was "no risk" to people living in the area.