Forensic Tests Continue at NatWest Branch in North London After Illness Reports

Forensic tests are under way inside a NatWest bank in north London that triggered a major emergency response Friday after several people reported feeling unwell.

The Metropolitan Police evacuated the Golders Green branch when they arrived at 15:45 BST. London Fire Brigade crews from Euston, Bexley, West Hampstead and Kentish Town conducted tests at the site and confirmed no elevated levels of hazardous materials.

London Ambulance Service paramedics checked five people, who needed no further treatment.

The Met Police stated: "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," the statement continued. "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."

The fire brigade brought the incident under control within two hours. LFB Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: "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," Goulbourne added.

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." The force added that specialist officers attended the scene for further enquiries.