UPDATE: Novichok poisoning fears allayed after incident in Durrington
A man has fallen ill from an ‘unknown substance’ near Salisbury – sparking a major emergency response.
A significant number of 999 crews responded to the incident in Charles Road, Durrington, at around 5pm this afternoon (Friday).
Police say a man became unwell after “coming into contact with an unknown substance”, but his condition is currently unknown.
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, local ambulance crews and three specialist Hazardous Area Response Team units from Bristol attended the scene.
Around ten fire service appliances, including crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, were in attendance.
Locals also claim a bomb disposal van was at the incident, parked at a ‘rendezvous point’ at Durrington C of E VC Junior School.
Emergency personnel were donning full hazmat suits and breathing apparatus when they entered the man’s property.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police warned the public to stay away.
They wrote: “We are currently in attendance with the Fire and Ambulance services at an address in Charles Road, Durrington following a report of a man falling ill after coming into contact with an unknown substance.
“There is not thought to be any threat to the wider public at this stage.
“As a precautionary measure, a cordon has been put in place.
“Members of the public are asked to stay away from the area.
“We will provide further updates in due course.”
According to a resident of Charles Road, police officers told them to remain indoors for their own safety.
The road is cordoned off in both directions, with officers standing guard.
