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Oxford
Seven UK police officers hospitalised after incident with chemical substance during routine arrest
Officers were conducting an arrest when they became aware of a chemical hazard in the building.
SEVEN POLICE OFFICERS have been taken to hospital and around 60 residents have been evacuated following concerns over a possible chemical leak near Oxford University.
Officers were conducting a routine arrest at a property in Elizabeth Jennings Way in Oxford at around 5.15am this morning when the occupant of the building made them aware of a potential chemical hazard.
The property and entire street have been evacuated as a result.
Seven officers were affected by the substance, which caused some of them minor irritation.
Two officers are being kept in hospital overnight for monitoring.
The man arrested, a 34-year-old from Oxford, was also affected by the chemicals. He is currently in police custody on suspicion of harassment without injury.
“The property is safe. Officers are attending and continue their search and investigation and it is hoped that residents will be allowed to return during the course of the day,” Thames Valley Police said.
Police have confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
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