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Fifteen people needed treatment after being sprayed with a mysterious substance in a number of shops and restaurants.
The West Midlands Fire Service said the substance was sprayed at Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Tesco last night.
The victims struggled for breath after an unidentified man sprayed the gaseous substance at the businesses.
Eyewitnesses took to social media to warn others to avoid the area, Birmingham Live reports.
On Facebook they said: “I hope no one is hurt and everyone is safe next to Tesco in Gornal.”
“I just passed and there are numerous fire trucks, police and ambulances. It seems they have recorded it.”
Were you at the shopping arcade last night? Email [email protected]
Another added: “There were a lot of policemen and ambulances there when I passed before.”
A third said: “There were so many emergency services there and they closed several places.”
One person required hospital treatment. The substance has not yet been identified.
A statement from the West Midlands Fire Service said: “We were called in at 7.27pm for an incident involving a man who entered Pizza Hut and allegedly entered McDonald’s and Tesco and doused a gaseous substance.
“Fifteen injured reported respiratory distress and irritation, all were checked by the West Midlands ambulance service. One person was taken to hospital with palpitations.”
“A hazardous materials risk assessment was carried out. The substance has not yet been identified.
“We dispatched two fire trucks from Dudley and Tipton to the scene at The Arcade in Upper Gornal. A support vehicle also attended. The team remained at the scene until 10:30 pm.”
A witness said on Twitter: “The police, firefighters and ambulances are there and some in hazmat suits. It seems that at least one person is in the hospital. It is so scary and almost also at the door.”
“You can no longer take your safety for granted walking through a supermarket!”
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