UK airport evacuated after ‘chemical scare’

Scotland Yard is probing a chemical incident at London City Airport, a day after several people were treated for breathing difficulties, leading to mass evacuation and delays in flights.

Metropolitan Police officers have discovered what is "believed to be a CS gas spray" or tear gas spray, a Met Police spokesperson said. "At this early stage, officers are investigating whether it may have been discarded by a passenger prior to check-in," the spokesperson said. About 500 people were evacuated from the east London airport after some passengers felt unwell.

Two people were taken to hospital and 26 others treated at the spot. The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, but Met officers are investigating if it was the result of an "accidental discharge". The Met have said they are not treating the case as terrorist-related. A London City spokesperson said, "We apologise to passengers for the inconvenience caused today when an alarm was activated, triggering a full evacuation of the airport terminal". "Passengers were evacuated safely and we thank them for their patience. Following the evacuation, some individuals reported feeling unwell and were treated at the scene by London ambulance service," the spokesperson said.