A police cordon remains in place in the surrounding area
A number of people “became unwell” during an incident in the Holyland area on Tuesday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene on Damascus Street at around 5pm on September 30.
It comes as four people and PSNI officers were taken to hospital after a “possibly noxious substance” was found at a property in the area. A police cordon is currently in place across a number of streets between Damascus Street and the Stranmillis Embankment.
READ MORE: Holyland Belfast LIVE updates as number of people ‘become unwell’ in incident
A number of search and rescue teams were also initially called to the scene. It is understood one person was detained.
A spokesperson for the PSNI added: “Four people were taken to hospital and a number of police officers, as a precaution, have also been taken to hospital. It follows potential contact with a possibly noxious substance in the property. Their conditions are not life-threatening.
“Specialist colleagues are conducting checks and there is no wider risk to the public at this time.”
District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan said: “Our priority is always the safety of the public and our officers.
“While a number of people were taken to hospital as a precaution, I want to reassure the community that this incident is contained and there is no risk to the wider public. We continue to work with partner agencies to confirm the circumstances and will provide updates as appropriate.”
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a number of 999 calls shortly after 17:00 on Tuesday 30 September following reports of an incident in the Damascus street area.
“NIAS despatched four Emergency Crews to the incident. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, four patients were taken to RVH.”
In a statement at 9.35pm, a Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said: “At around 1730hrs today NIFRS attended a property at Damascus Street, Belfast alongside colleagues from PSNI and NIAS following reports of a number persons feeling unwell.
“Crews from Central, Cadogan, Lisburn and Dromore initially attended supported by 5 officers. Crews utilised detection and monitoring equipment to assist in resolving the incident.
“Crews have now left the scene.”
Follow our live blog for the latest on this incident by clicking here.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
#Holyland #Belfast #hospital
