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.

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.