A cordon was put in place in the centre of Bath following an incident this afternoon, Monday 29th July, in which several people began to “feel unwell”.
The cordon at the scene on Stall Street | Photo © Bath Echo
At around 2.30pm, a woman approached a number of people with a bag in Stall Street near the Roman Baths, leading to some of them beginning to feel unwell.
Police say they were called at 3.08pm following reports from the ambulance service.
Emergency crews in hazmat suits at the scene | Photo © Bath Echo
Officers say they are not aware of any other people feeling unwell, but as a precaution, the cordon has been put up and emergency personnel are wearing protective clothing.
There were multiple fire crews, ambulance crews, including a hazardous area response team, and police.
Fire crews had to conduct an air quality test at the scene, before the cordon could be lifted.
Emergency services at the scene | Photo © Bath Echo
South Western Ambulance Service said they took two people to hospital. They had been experiencing breathing difficulties and itchy eyes.
Crews working at the scene by the Roman Baths | Photo © Bath Echo
The Roman Baths remained open throughout the incident, though shops on Stall Street including Primark were evacuated.
Fire crews waiting for the results of the air quality test | Photo © Bath Echo
Police have been reassuring the public that the measures are precautionary and there is no imminent danger.
Emergency vehicles surrounded the area, by the Guildhall and down Westgate Street.
The cordon was lifted at around 8pm, with police saying: “It was put in place as our priority is to ensure public safety.
“We are now satisfied it is safe to be removed.”
