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Police and four others in hospital after possible contact with 'substance'

BBC Firefighters, masked workers and police officers are standing on Damascus Street. It is dark outside. BBC
A number of emergency services' personnel have been attending an incident on Damascus Street in south Belfast

Four people and several police officers have been taken to hospital after potential contact with what police have described as "a possibly noxious substance" in south Belfast.

The ambulance service received a number of emergency 999 calls just after 17:00 BST on Tuesday, following reports of an incident on Damascus Street.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said that following initial treatment, four patients were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Police subsequently said a number of its officers were taken to hospital as a precaution. The conditions of those in hospital are not life-threatening.

Pacemaker Two firefighters wearing face masks walk alongside two marked police cars as a light is shone on a brick wall on Damascus Street.Pacemaker
Firefighters inspected the footpaths on Damascus Street

At 20:00 BST, six fire engines, one ambulance and three police vehicles were at the scene, according to a BBC reporter.

Fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus went into a property on Damascus Street.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said that crews from four fire stations initially attended, and used "detection and monitoring equipment to assist in resolving the incident".

Pacemaker A number of firefighters wearing helmets are crowded around at the bottom of Damascus Street. In the distance there are two police officers standing in the middle of the road, with more uniformed firefighters in the distance.Pacemaker
Police say they expect the operation to continue for a number of hours

Supt Allister Hagan of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "While a number of people were taken to hospital as a precaution, I want to reassure the community that this incident is contained and there is no risk to the wider public.

"We continue to work with partner agencies to confirm the circumstances and will provide updates as appropriate."

Earlier, members of the public were advised to avoid the area and residents were advised to stay indoors.

Police remained at the scene as of 21:40 BST on Tuesday.