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A woman reportedly approached people with a "bag" - with individuals falling ill afterwards in a mysterious incident that has rocked a major UK city.
By Victoria Chessum, Assistant News Editor,Charlie Bradley,Joseph Wilkes,Lucy Sarret
Police arrive in Bath city centre as numerous people fall ill (Image: SWNS)
A suspected chemical attack in the city of Bath has left a number of people ill.Officers were called to the city centre at about 2.30pm today (Monday, July 29) after it was reported a suspicious woman was approaching people with a "bag".
The incident happened in Stall Street and led to some individuals feeling unwell, Avon and Somerset Police said. Police are present in the area and are wearing protective clothing as a "precaution".
Exact details over how the bag led to the unknown symptoms of people nearby have not yet been divulged.
South Western Ambulance Service are at the scene along with police.
A fire engine is also reportedly at the scene. Witnesses say some members of the public have been stripped of all clothing, placed in hazmat suits and escorted into the back of ambulances.
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Lucy Sarret
Only one person hospitalised
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust has confirmed only one person was hospitalised yesterday in Bath due to the incident on Stall Street, depsite initial reports.
A spokesperson said: "We apologise for the confusion, to confirm, it was one patient conveyed to hospital."
Lucy Sarret
What we know so far
Two people were hopsitalised yesterday around 2.30 pm after a woman approached them with a bag.One woman was seen being "hosed down" at the scene. She also emerged wearing a "big orange suit", suggesting that she was asked to remove her clothes, potentially due to contamination.The individuals reportedly had difficulty breathing and itchy eyes. Their medical condition today is unclear.Emergency services cordoned offf the area of the incident, which happeneds on Stall Streeet, and were seen wearing hazmat suits. The area has since been cleared.The Express has contacted both Avon and Somerset Police as well as the South Western Ambulance Service for more information this morning.
Joseph Wilkes
Woman was hosed down
One witness said they saw members of the public being treated at the scene.
They said: "They took one woman off into some blue tarpaulin sheets and seemed to have hosed her down.
"She must have been told to remove her clothes, as she came out wearing a big orange suit covering her body.
Joseph Wilkes
Shortness of breath and itching eyes
A police cordon was in place inBath for several hours this afternoonfollowing an incident during which a number of people fell ill after a woman reportedly approached them with a bag. The incident happened in Stall Street at around 2.30pm this afternoon, Monday, July 29.
Investigation work continued until shortly before 8.15pm when the road was reopened. Police officers, paramedics and fire crews were at the scene.Two people were taken to hospital suffering from shortness of breath and itching eyes.
Charlie Bradley
Police lift cordon in Bath
Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: "The cordon has now been lifted. It was put in place as our priority is to ensure public safety. We are now satisfied it is safe to be removed."
Charlie Bradley
Police confirm that two people are receiving treatment at hospital.
They said: "Two people are being taken to hospital by South Western Ambulance Service this afternoon, having reported experiencing breathing difficulties and itchy eyes.
"Emergency services remain at the scene at the moment, but we hope to be able to reopen the area as soon as possible."
Charlie Bradley
'Chemical attack' in Bath - What we know so far
-A number of people have fallen ill after it was reported a suspicious woman was approaching people with a "bag".
-The incident happened on Stall Street, near the Roman Baths.
-Police are at the scene, including respondents with hazmat suits on.
-20 emergency services vehicles at the scene.
-Two people taken to hospital to receive treatment.
-Incident described as suspected chemical attack but it is not yet clear what in the bag could have caused people to fall ill.
Charlie Bradley
More than 20 emergency service vehicles at the scene
According to locals, there are more than 20 emergency vehicles present - including 14 ambulance vehicles.
Charlie Bradley
Police asked how many people affected by incident
The Daily Express has approached Avon and Somerset Police to confirm how many people were affected by the incident.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Charlie Bradley
More pictures from the scene
Police are managing the situation in Bath as some head to hospital for treatment.
Police at the scene in Bath (Image: SWNS)
Police at the scene in Bath (Image: SWNS)
Charlie Bradley
Respondents pictured in overalls at the scene in Bath
Respondents dressed in overalls have arrived at the scene to deal with those affected by the incident.
Respondents in overalls (Image: oshunsprite / X)
Charlie Bradley
Incident took place near Roman Baths
The incident occurred near the Roman Baths in the city.
The baths are a big tourist attraction, bringing in around a million visitors each year.
Roman Baths (Image: Getty)
Charlie Bradley
Two people taken to hospital
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that two people were sent to hospital.
They said: "Two people are being taken to hospital by South Western Ambulance Service this afternoon, having reported experiencing breathing difficulties and itchy eyes. Emergency services remain at the scene at the moment, but we hope to be able to reopen the area as soon as possible."
Charlie Bradley
Witness says woman was taken away to be 'hosed down'
Speaking to PA, the witness said: "They took one woman off into some blue tarpaulin sheets and seemed to have hosed her down.
"She must have been told to remove her clothes, as she came out wearing a big orange suit covering her body.
"Then she was walked to the ambulance escorted by what I think was a paramedic wearing a full hazmat suit with breathing apparatus."
Charlie Bradley
First images from the scene as emergency services respond
The first picture from the scene has emerged as emergency services respond to reports of a chemical attack in Bath
Emergency services are at the scene (Image: BristolPost)
Charlie Bradley
Police release statement
Avon and Somerset Police said: "Emergency services are responding to an incident in Bath. At around 2.30pm, a woman approached people with a bag, leading to some individuals feeling unwell. The ambulance service made us aware at 3.08pm.
"As a precaution, emergency services personnel are wearing protective clothing. We are working with South Western Ambulance Service and Avon Fire and Rescue Service at the scene and have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents."
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