Police report that a woman approached two individuals with a bag before falling ill herself.
In Bath, two people have been hospitalized after a woman approached them with a bag, leading to breathing difficulties and itchy eyes around 2.30 pm. Emergency services were later seen at the scene in hazmat suits.
Emergency services established a cordon on Stall Street on Monday as a precaution, and Avon and Somerset Police expressed hopes of reopening the area soon.
According to locals, more than a dozen ambulances arrived within 45 minutes of the incident. Witnesses described some members of the public being stripped of their clothing, placed in hazmat suits, and taken into ambulances.
One local described the scene as “quite frightening.” Dakota Nicholls, who was leaving work when he witnessed the incident, told the BBC, “It was quite frightening because it was so close to work.” He said, “I saw people in hazmat suits, loads of ambulances, police cars. I’ve never seen anything like that before. It was out of the ordinary.”
A police spokesperson said, “Emergency services are responding to an incident in Bath. At about 2.30 pm, a woman approached people with a bag in Stall Street, leading to some individuals feeling unwell. The ambulance service made us aware at 3.08 pm. We’re not aware of any further reports of people feeling unwell. As a precaution, emergency personnel are wearing protective clothing. We are working with SWAST (South Western Ambulance Trust) and Avon Fire and Rescue Service at the scene and have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents.”
The force added later on Monday evening, “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.”
