CBRN event in London, Thornton Heath area, United Kingdom on Thu 4th April 2024

A woman and four emergency workers who came to her aid are in hospital after she ingested poison.

The two Met police officers and two London Ambulance Service paramedics exposed to the “hazardous substance” are also in Croydon University Hospital. formerly the Mayday, under observation.

Scotland Yard said they were called by LAS after the woman is said to have taken poison at an address in Thornton Heath at roughly 3.45am on Thursday.

A police spokesman said: “The woman was taken to a south London hospital by LAS where she was found to be in possession of a possible hazardous substance.

“Officers and London Fire Brigade attended Mayday Hospital and safety cordons and closures were established while specialist officers examined the item and safety procedures were enacted.

“Ambulances and emergency vehicles are being given access to the hospital throughout the incident response.

“Two officers were exposed to the substance. They remain at the hospital under observation.”

A spokesperson for Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: “Following an incident in Croydon this morning (Thursday 4 April) we have treated a small number of patients, including two police officers for chemical exposure.

“This was an isolated incident and Croydon University Hospital has remained open for patients throughout.”

A London Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 3.37am this morning April 4 in response to a reports of a person unwell in Thornton Heath, CR7.

“We sent an ambulance crew and took a woman to hospital after she was found to be in possession of a possible hazardous substance.