Around 150 people had to be evacuated from the store
A Sainsbury’s store in the West Midlands has been evacuated after several people suffered apparent breathing difficulties.
The nature of the incident remains unclear but there has been a significant emergency response.
Locals have been told to avoid the area, with a 50 metre cordon put in place around the store on High Street, Longbridge, Birmingham.
A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “One patient has since been conveyed to hospital as a precaution.”
The West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that two people have been taken to hospital.
UPDATE: Around 150 people were evacuated from the store. Two have been taken to hospital. Read more: https://t.co/9K23X6KVnA
— West Midlands Fire Service (@WestMidsFire) May 20, 2022
A spokeswoman from West Midlands Police said: “We are currently dealing with an incident at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge Lane, Longbridge.
“We were alerted at about 10am to reports that six people were suffering breathing problems.
“Officers attended and the store has been evacuated and people are also being cleared from other buildings in the area. The six patients are being treated by paramedics at the scene.
West Midlands Police are dealing with an incident at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge. There are reports six people are suffering breathing problems and are being treated at the scene. The store has been evacuated. pic.twitter.com/IUOqzRaaKy
— BBC Radio WM (@bbcwm) May 20, 2022
“We have specialist officers working with colleagues across the emergency services to establish exactly what has happened.
“A cordon has been put in place and we’d advise people to stay away from the area.”
Longbridge Shopping posted on Facebook: “To make customers aware the main high street off Longbridge Lane is closed. Entry and exit to Longbridge is via Dalmuir road.”
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