Bank staff fall ill after ‘funny smell’ as ambulances and fire crew rush to ‘hazmat’ scene

A number of patients are being assessed

Part of Nuneaton town centre has been cordoned off following the incident at Santander bank on Tuesday afternoon.

Coventry Live reports that ambulances, fire engines and police cars are currently at the scene.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said it received an emergency call to a minor "hazmat incident" and that two crews have been sent to the scene.

They added there were reports of a "funny smell" inside the bank that had made people feel ill so fire crews are currently ventilating the building.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of people feeling unwell on Newdigate Street at 12.26pm.

"We currently have three ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team at the scene and are assessing a number of patients."

A Santander spokesperson said the "potential safety issue" was detected during routine works and as a "precaution the branch was closed."

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes our customers. The local post office in Nuneaton is just 100 yards from the Santander branch where customers can do everyday banking activities including cash deposits, while the nearest Santander branch is in Coventry," the spokesperson added.

It is not yet known when the branch will reopen.