UPDATE: After carrying out extensive checks, West Midlands Fire Service said their detection equipment had highlighted nothing of concern.
Sainsbury’s and their own engineers will be carrying out further investigations before making a decision on reopening the store.
Some areas of Longbridge town centre have been closed off this morning (Friday 20th May) after a number of people at a Sainsbury’s superstore reportedly suffered breathing problems.
The Sainsbury’s store was evacuated at around 10am, with several people reporting feeling unwell.
A 50 metre cordon is in place, with other buildings being evacuated while emergency services work to find out what has happened.
High Street is currently closed at the Longbridge Lane junction. The town centre remains accessible via Dalmuir Road, off Lickey Road.
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed they had tended to seven casualties, all reporting “feeling unwell with minor respiratory problems.”
One patient has been taken to hospital as a precaution.
A spokeswoman for WMAS said: “We’re currently in attendance at an incident at Sainsburys in Longbridge Lane, Longbridge following a call at 9.53am. A number of ambulances & specialist resources are on scene treating seven patients who were feeling unwell with minor respiratory problems. One patient has since been conveyed to hospital as a precaution. The public are advised to avoid the area whilst emergency services deal with the incident.”
A statement from West Midlands Police on social media at around 11am reads: “ We are currently dealing with an incident at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge Lane, Longbridge.
“We were alerted at about 10am to reports that six people were suffering breathing problems.
“Officers attended and the store has been evacuated and people are also being cleared from other buildings in the area.
“The six patients are being treated by paramedics at the scene.
“We have specialist officers working with colleagues across the emergency services to establish exactly what has happened.
“A cordon has been put in place and we’d advise people to stay away from the area.
“Anyone who has been in the area and is feeling unwell should seek medical advice as a precaution.”
West Midlands Fire Service said:”A number of people had reported feeling unwell, with apparent breathing difficulties.
“Two fire engines and one of our 4×4 Brigade Response vehicles responded, from Northfield and Kings Norton fire stations, together with a number of officers and colleagues from the police and ambulance services.”
Images West Midlands Fire Service