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Police investigate Golders Green bank evacuation

Rosemary McCabeLondon
News imageGetty Images An ambulance car is parked outside a Natwest bank and in front is a red and white cordon. there is a police officer stood in front, and behind is a group of police officers and fire fighters.Getty Images
Police, fire and ambulance services were at the scene outside the bank in Golders Green on Friday

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."

News imageGetty Images Police officers stood outside the corner of a bank which has been closed and there are also fire crews and a large white van parked close by, along with red and white tape blocking off the entrance to the bank, which is a light grey stone building with dark oak doors.Getty Images
Five people reported feeling unwell but were discharged at the scene

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."

News imageGetty Images Police and ambulance cars parked on the street with the Natwest bank on the righthand side. Getty Images
Police said forensic tests are being conducted inside the Natwest bank

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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