Mystery substance attack in Upper Gornal Pizza Hut, McDonald's and Tesco branches

The substance was believed to have been sprayed by a man in Pizza Hut, McDonald's and Tesco at The Arcade in Upper Gornal.

The incident happened just before 7.30pm last night (Tuesday, October 20).

Pictures of the scene by SnapperSK.

Police said they are examining CCTV and forensic experts have examined all three premises "to establish the nature of the substance."

One person was in hospital after police, fire crews and ambulances rushed to the scene.

All three businesses are on Kent Street, with McDonald's around 50 metres down from Tesco and Pizza Hut which are set back from the main road at The Arcade.

Firefighters were at the scene until 10.30pm last night, with the people treated suffering breathing difficulties. 

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating after an unknown substance was sprayed in three business premises in Upper Gornal just after 7pm last night (20 Oct).

"Paramedics treated 14 people at the scene with breathing difficulties and one was taken to hospital. Fortunately none have suffered any lasting effects.

"We are fast-tracking CCTV enquiries and speaking to witnesses.

"Forensics experts have examined each premises to establish the nature of the substance.

"Anyone with information should contact us via Live Chat on our website between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime."

An eyewitness took to social media to warn people to avoid the area.

She said: "Hope no one is injured and everyone is safe by the Tesco in Gornal.

"Just been past and there are numerous fire engines, police and ambulances. Looks like they have taped it off."

Glen Simms took to twitter to express her shock at the incident.

She tweeted: "It’s so frightening and pretty much on the doorstep too.

"You can’t take your safety walking around a supermarket for granted anymore!"

It’s so frightening and pretty much on the doorstep too. You can’t take your safety walking around a supermarket for granted anymore! Hope you are well anyway, take care when out and about these days! Xx

— Glen Simms (@GlenSimms1974) October 20, 2020

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "At 7.27pm on Tues 20 Oct we were alerted by West Midlands Police to an incident at The Arcade, Upper Gornal.

"It is believed that someone had released a substance, which resulted in a number of people being assessed and treated by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

"Two of our crews attended – two fire engines and ten firefighters, from Tipton and Dudley fire stations.

"Specialist officers from our Detection, Identification and Monitoring team assessed the scene and declared it safe."

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said initial reports were to an unknown substance being sprayed at Pizza Hut, but medics arrived to discover two other premises had also been targeted.

The spokesman said: "We were called to reports of an unknown chemical being sprayed at Pizza Hut in Upper Gornal at 7.23pm last night.

"One ambulance, two paramedic officers and our Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene.

"On arrival at the scene it became evident that the chemical had been also sprayed at two other locations, Tesco and McDonalds.

"In total, 15 patients self-presented to our members of staff, 14 of whom were discharged at the scene.

"One patient, a man, was treated for symptoms at the scene before being taken to Russell’s Hall Hospital for further assessment."

Tesco confirmed it had reopened its store today after it uderwent a deep clean.