A branch of Natwest Bank in Golders Green, London, has been cordoned off by police after multiple people fell ill on Friday afternoon. Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire crews, converged on Golders Green Road following reports of an incident at around 3:35 PM.
Eyewitness Accounts and Response
Eyewitnesses described a massive emergency services response centred around the Natwest branch, with a cordon in place. Reports from the scene suggested the incident could be a gas leak, but the Metropolitan Police have stated it is too early to determine whether the incident is suspicious.
Official Statement
In a statement, the Met Police said: "Officers responded to reports of people feeling unwell inside a bank in Golders Green Road at around 15:35hrs on Friday, 8 May. Police, the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service arrived within minutes, and the premises was evacuated. Several people were assessed at the scene by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment."
The statement continued: "It is too early to say if the incident is suspicious, or to know what has caused people to feel unwell. Specialist officers are conducting further enquiries at the scene, and we will provide further updates as soon as possible. We would ask people to avoid the area as a precaution in the meantime."
Further Enquiries
Specialist officers remain at the scene conducting investigations. The London Fire Brigade has been contacted for additional information. The cause of the illness is not yet known, and authorities are urging the public to avoid the area as a precaution.
