Police investigate Golders Green bank evacuation

"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."

"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."

"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 LFB said it sent crews from Euston, Bexley, West Hampstead and Kentish Town and the incident was under control within two hours. The cordon has since been removed but a small scene remains in place inside the building while forensic examinations are carried out."

Forensic tests continued inside a Natwest building in Golders Green, north London, after several people reported feeling unwell and prompted a large emergency response. The Metropolitan Police evacuated the premises when officers arrived at 15:45 BST. London Fire Brigade crews conducted tests at the scene and confirmed there were no elevated levels of hazardous materials. Five people were checked by London Ambulance Service paramedics and did not require further treatment. A cordon was removed, though a small scene remained inside the building for forensic examinations. The Metropolitan Police said there was believed to be no wider impact to the community and that specialist officers carried out further enquiries. The incident was not yet assessed as suspicious.

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