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Eleven police officers were injured by a chemical while conducting a drug bust in North London.
Firearms officers were conducting the operation in Dale Close, High Barnet, shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday.
All those involved were taken to hospital for treatment, but none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, Met police said.
Several suspects also came into contact with the substance at the address and were taken to hospital.
Their conditions are also not believed to be life threatening.
The officers were taken to hospital for treatment.
The full extent of the injuries is currently unknown.
Witness Lucy Moore was working from home when she heard loud knocks and a commotion.
“We saw I don’t know how many armed policemen entered one of the units, and then there was quite a commotion and the policemen started to come out. They were covered in some kind of substance, they were asking some other houses to provide water,” he told Sky News.
Neighbors then gathered to wash the officers with water.
“All the houses around that area took their garden hoses from the back and dragged them to the front so we could help everyone hose down as quickly as possible,” he said.
Another resident, Nicky Tierney, described hearing two loud knocks while walking his dogs.
Nicky Tierney said she was ‘really worried’
“There were a lot of sirens, police and ambulances,” he said.
“It was really worrying. Nothing like this happens in this area, it is a lovely neighborhood so I was really concerned.
“I have lived in this neighborhood for 24 years, all my life.”
Officers remained at the scene Wednesday night and investigations continue.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “shocked” by the incident.
“It is a stark reminder of the real dangers our agent workers face every day while keeping us safe. On behalf of all Londoners, I wish you a speedy recovery,” he said.
Chief Superintendent Roy Smith said there was no ongoing risk to the public.
He added: “I am extremely grateful to colleagues from our Firearms Specialist Command who took a risk to protect our communities, and to colleagues from the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service who came to their aid using our Well-established protocols for dealing with this type of incident, “he said in a statement.
