Emergency services responded to reports of multiple people falling ill at a Natwest bank in Golders Green, north London, on Friday afternoon. The incident, which occurred on Golders Green Road, prompted a large-scale response from police, fire, and ambulance crews.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers were called at around 3:35pm after reports of people feeling unwell inside the bank. The premises were evacuated, and several people were assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.
The London Fire Brigade deployed four fire engines and specialist appliances, including crews from Euston, Bexley, West Hampstead, and Kentish Town. Firefighters used detection equipment to search for hazardous materials but found no elevated levels. The incident was declared under control by 5:27pm.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne of the London Fire Brigade stated that a number of people experienced symptoms consistent with exposure to a chemical or other substance, though tests later confirmed no hazardous materials were present.
The Met Police said it is too early to determine if the incident is suspicious. Specialist officers, including those from the Counter Terrorism Policing CBRN unit, are conducting further enquiries. A small scene remains inside the bank for forensic examinations, but the cordon has been removed and there is believed to be no wider impact on the community.
Police have advised the public to avoid the area as a precaution and have increased local patrols following recent incidents in the area.
