Chemical attack on Bristol shop
A Bristol shop was sealed off and three people treated in a decontamination unit after a foul-smelling chemical was thrown in through the door.
Emergency services were called to the Polski Sklep Polish food shop in Gilda Parade, Whitchurch, at about 5.40pm yesterday, when staff reported having breathing difficulties after the attack.
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An investigation by Avon Fire and Rescue Service found the substance involved was butanoic acid, which is responsible for the smell of Parmesan cheese and vomit but is non-toxic.
Great Western Ambulance Service paramedics were called in to assess the three members of staff, who had to be given showers in a mobile decontamination unit brought to the scene by firefighters, but found they had suffered no injuries and did not need medical treatment.
Inspector Nick Hunt, of Avon and Somerset Police, confirmed the incident was being treated as suspicious and said officers would be looking at CCTV footage taken in the area to identify suspects.
The road in front of the shop was closed while the emergency services dealt with the incident.
12 Comments
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by hannah, bristol
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 6:50PM
“This is just it though, this is how people are having fear put into them, everyone is on alert and panics at the slightest thing now.”
by Pawel, Toru¿, Poland
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 5:45PM
“Fellow commentators fail to notice that this was most likely a racist attact. A hate-crime.
Polish media cite owners of this establishement saying that the products in store are unfit for sale any more. So it involves a lot of losses.
And did you read the bit about staff having to go through decontamination unit? If you read about it its not a very pleasant experience.
I wonder what would you say if it was a Jamaican shop.”
by Mr Smooth, Bristol
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 4:44PM
“It very well could be Sally!”
by Spidyman, Bristol
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 3:11PM
“Actually I just read the last bit. It does sound a bit worse than that doesn't it? I take it all back. That'll teach me to comment before reading the whole article. I'm logging off now. Feel free to have a go everyone.”
by Spydyman, Bristol
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 2:58PM
“I'm with Irish on this one: A stink bomb, a light-hearted silly gag which has been popular with children and widely used since forever. Somehow now presented as A CHEMICAL ATTACK!! Pathetic. What a ludicrous exaggeration of a non event. Good job the BEP wasn't around last week when my mate Will had eaten curry the previous night.”
by Sally, Bristol
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 2:48PM
“Ohhh is that an offer mr smooth?”
by Irish, Bristol
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 2:25PM
“A stinkbomb thrown into a shop.....hmmm, slow news day”
by Mr Smooth, Bristol,
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 12:47PM
“I'm sure I could cheer you up Sally : )”
by Sally, Bristol
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 10:54AM
“Nikita I'm so glad I have cheered u up....wish someone could do the same for me”
by Mrs Dixon, Horfield
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 10:30AM
“That was funny Sally, you are a card !”