CBRN event in United Kingdom on Mon 29th July 2024

People stripped and hosed down amid chemical attack fears

Victims are being stripped and hosed down by paramedics wearing hazmat suits
There are fears of a chemical attack having taken place close to the Roman Baths, in Bath, this afternoon. A number of people fell suddenly ill reportedly following contact with a woman carrying a bag containing an unknown substance.

A witness has described how members of the public are being treated at the scene after reportedly falling suddenly ill following contact with a woman carrying a bag containing an unknown substance. A police cordon is in place and emergency services personnel are at the scene.

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."

According to locals, there are more than 20 emergency services vehicles at the scene this afternoon, including 14 ambulances. Paramedics are in hazmat suits as a precaution as it is unclear why people suddenly fell ill in the street.

Emergency services were called to an incident in Stall Street at around 2.30pm today, Monday, July 29. A woman is said to have approached people with a bag, leading to some individuals becoming ill.

Witnesses say some members of the public have been stripped of all clothing, places in hazmat suits and into the back of ambulances. The ambulance service was first on scene – alerting Avon and Somerset Police at 3.08pm.

According to locals, there are more than 20 emergency vehicles present – including 14 ambulance vehicles.

In a statement, the force said: “Emergency services are responding to an incident in Bath. At about 2.30pm a woman approached people with a bag in Stall Street, leading to some individuals then feeling unwell. The ambulance service made us aware at 3.08pm.

“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 South Western Ambulance Service and Avon Fire And Rescue Service at the scene and have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents.”