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Police investigate Golders Green bank evacuation
TL;DR
A Natwest bank in Golders Green, north London, was evacuated after several individuals reported feeling unwell. Emergency services confirmed no hazardous materials were present following tests conducted at the scene.
Key points
- Natwest bank in Golders Green evacuated
- Several people reported feeling unwell
- No hazardous materials found
- Emergency services responded quickly
- Five individuals checked by paramedics
Mentioned in this story
NatwestMetropolitan PoliceLondon Fire BrigadeLondon Ambulance ServiceGolders Green
Forensic tests are continuing inside a bank in north London which prompted a large emergency response on Friday after several people reported feeling unwell.
The Natwest building in Golders Green was evacuated by the Metropolitan Police when they arrived on the scene at 15:45 BST.
Tests conducted at the premises by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed there were no elevated levels of hazardous materials present.
Five people were checked by London Ambulance Service paramedics but needed no further treatment.
The Met said: "Officers, London Fire Brigade, and the London Ambulance Service responded quickly and evacuated the premises before conducting tests which confirmed there to be no elevated levels of hazardous materials.
"The cordon has since been removed but a small scene remains in place inside the building while forensic examinations are carried out.
"We believe there to be no wider impact to the community and we thank residents for their patience and cooperation while emergency services carried out the initial response."
The LFB said it sent crews from Euston, Bexley, West Hampstead and Kentish Town and the incident was under control within two hours.
LFB Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne added: "A number of people were experiencing a range of symptoms, which could indicate exposure to a chemical or other substance.
"Crews carried out a thorough search of the area using detection, identification and monitoring equipment and have now confirmed there are no elevated levels of hazardous materials present."
On Friday, the Met said it was "too early to say if the incident is suspicious, or to know what has caused people to feel unwell".
It added that specialist officers were sent to the scene to carry out further enquiries.
The London Ambulance Service sent two ambulance crews, an incident response officer and members of its Hazardous Area Response Team.
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Q&A
What caused the evacuation of the Natwest bank in Golders Green?
The evacuation was prompted by several reports of individuals feeling unwell inside the bank.
Were any hazardous materials found at the Golders Green bank?
Tests conducted by the London Fire Brigade confirmed there were no elevated levels of hazardous materials present.
How many people were treated after the bank evacuation in Golders Green?
Five people were checked by paramedics but did not require further treatment.
