Two in hospital after shoppers ‘collapse’ with breathing problems at Sainsbury’s supermarket

Police say officers are trying to ‘establish exactly what happened’

Two people have been taken to hospital after a “hazardous substances incident” at a Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Five others were treated outside the store in the outskirts of Birmingham, which saw shoppers report breathing problems on Friday morning.

More than 150 customers and staff were told to leave the Longbridge supermarket in response.

Emergency services were called to the scene just before 10am on Friday.

One witness told Birmingham Live: "The police have said there's been an incident involving some sort of gas. People were on the floor gasping for air after collapsing."

West Midlands Police confirmed it dealt with an incident at a Sainsbury’s on Longbridge Lane on Friday morning, which it said involved “hazardous substances”.

“We have specialist officers working with colleagues across the emergency services to establish exactly what has happened,” the force said.

“Anyone who has been in the area and is feeling unwell should seek medical advice as a precaution,” it added.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson confirmed emergency services attended the supermarket chain’s store in Longbridge on Friday morning.

“Safety is our highest priority and the store is closed while we assist the police with their investigations,” they added.

“Sainsburys and other nearby buildings were evacuated after several people inside the supermarket experienced respiratory problems,” a West Midlands Ambulance Service said.

“A total of seven patients were assessed by the ambulance service after displaying minor respiratory problems.

“Two women received treatment on scene before being conveyed by ambulance, in a stable condition, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further checks.”

The ambulance service spokesperson said the other five were discharged at the scene.