Hazmat-suited emergency workers swarm after 'unknown substance' found in house

06 February 2024 , 22:30

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Blue-suited investigators with gas masks probed a house tonight (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN / BACKGRID)

Emergency service workers - some in hazmat gear - have tonight swarmed on a property after an "unknown substance" was discovered.

Multiple tents were erected outside the home in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside, as police, paramedics and firefighters investigated the concerning reports.

But officers have confirmed the incident is not related to the recent chemical attack in Clapham, south London, linked to sex offender Abdul Ezedi, who is from Newcastle, approximately 50 miles away.

Photographs, though, show emergency vehicles lining the residential street in Ingleby Barwick, while fire crews can be seen pulling on suits ready to enter the home.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "As part of an ongoing investigation, an address in the Ingleby Barwick area of Stockton was being searched. This led to the discovery of unknown substances and as a precaution, officers are conducting further checks at the property. There is believed to be no wider risk to the public and enquiries are ongoing."

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Emergency services dealt with an incident in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside (Teeside Live)

One neighbour told Teesside Live: "They were blowing up a large tent today, there was even a policeman where the golf course is. There is a blue tent out the back and it looked like there were carrying something out.

"Police knocked on the door and said they had located an unknown substance inside the property. There has been a policeman stood in the front garden all night and all day. There is a small tent, a big tent and then one out the back in the garden."

Tents at the scene (TERRY BLACKBURN / BACKGRID)

Cleveland Police is supporting colleagues at Northumbria, and stress there is no risk to the community’s safety. A spokesperson for Cleveland Constabulary said: "Cleveland Police are supporting Northumbria Police with an ongoing investigation following the discovery of an unknown substance in Brading Court, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton.

"The local community will see an increased police presence in the area, as officers who are experts in handling substances visit the property. The public should be reassured there is no risk to the community’s safety." The North East Ambulance Service confirmed its hazardous area response team is on standby at the scene.

Alex O'Leary