Shopping Centre Closed After Fumes Scare

A Birmingham shopping centre has been evacuated and more than 30 people have been given medical treatment, following a chemical scare.

Police said a petro-chemical was discovered in the ventilation system of the shopping area of the Bullring centre.

Paramedics were called out after staff at the centre complained of feeling dizzy and nauseous.

The air in the centre was monitored overnight after it was closed on Thursday. Five security staff - two of whom had been six - were hospitalised following the incident, which is thought to have involved fumes from a can of diesel at shops in nearby Moat Lane.

Police said any contamination remained "unexplained" and it was not known if it was an accident or malicious act.

The Bullring was evacuated and closed as a precaution and a triage area was set up in the nearby Arcadian Centre by the ambulance service.

The spokesman said: "Of the approximate 250 staff who attended the 'clean zone', 33 patients were identified and treated. Of the 33, four patients were transferred to Heartlands Hospital by ambulance for further assessment and treatment.

"One of these patients was suffering from a cardiac-related problem which was unrelated to the chemical incident."

Edgbaston Street in Birmingham remains closed between Park Street and Pershore Street.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "Inquiries to date suggest that the reported respiratory problems may have been caused by some sort of petroleum-based substance potentially contaminating either the shopping centre's ventilation or air-conditioning system."

The fire service had carried out extensive checks during the day, he added.

The Ambulance service spokesman said people should not be concerned, but added: "If any member of staff who was in the centre this morning develops symptoms such as watery eyes, nausea, vomiting or throat problems, they should contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 in the first instance.

"Should their symptoms be severe they should consider dialling 999 instead and speaking to the ambulance service."

(JM/BMcC)