A forensic investigation is ongoing after a bank in north London was evacuated following reports of several people falling ill. Emergency services attended NatWest's Golders Green branch at 3.45pm on Friday.
A number of people on the scene displayed a range of symptoms indicating they may have been exposed to harmful chemicals. Five people were checked by paramedics, but did not require further treatment. Tests carried out at the bank by the London Fire Brigade found no trace of any hazardous substances.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulborne said: 'Four fire engines and several specialist appliances were sent to the scene. Crews carried out a thorough search of the area using detection, identification and monitoring equipment and have now confirmed there are no elevated levels of hazardous materials present.' The brigade added the situation had been brought under control by 5.27pm.
Metropolitan Police said it was too soon to know what caused people to feel unwell and whether the incident was suspicious. A spokesperson for the force said: 'Police continue to investigate an incident at a bank in Golders Green Road after multiple people reported feeling unwell on the afternoon of Friday, 8 May. Officers, the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service responded quickly and evacuated the premises before conducting tests, which confirmed there were no elevated levels of hazardous materials. The cordon has since been removed, but a small scene remains in place inside the building while forensic examinations are carried out. We believe there to be no wider impact to the community, and we thank residents for their patience and cooperation while emergency services carried out the initial response.'
Golders Green is on high alert following a spate of antisemitic attacks in recent weeks. On April 29, a man stabbed a Muslim man and two Jewish men with a knife in the area. A series of arson attacks was also launched against several Jewish targets, including synagogues. Protesters are staging a demonstration outside Downing Street today to demand the Government take more action to tackle the surge of anti-Jewish hatred.
Keith Black, the chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: 'For two and a half years we have warned about the staggering rise in antisemitism in this country. Yet, antisemitism in Britain is not just rising; it is escalating into deadly acts of violence and terror. This Sunday at 1pm, people will gather outside Downing Street to stand against this hatred and face down extremists. It should not just be Jews who turn up. British values are being challenged by antisemites, and we have to stand against it together.'
