Police have arrested two people after an “unknown substance” was allegedly sprayed inside a Bunnings store before ten people were rushed to hospital.
WA Police say several people suffered a “burning sensation to their eyes, nose and throats” after an incident involving an unknown chemical unfolded at Northam Bunnings, on Peel Terrace, on Thursday.
“In an isolated incident, two people entered the store around 2.30pm and one of them (allegedly) sprayed an unknown substance in the vicinity of several customers and staff,” police say.
“The store was evacuated by staff.
“Officers from Northam immediately commenced an investigation resulting in two people being taken into custody.”
A St John spokeswoman confirmed to The West Australian on Friday that ten people — which consisted of seven women and two teenage girls— were rushed to Northam Regional Hospital as a result of the incident.
The women were aged between 20 and 50.
Paramedics also transported one man in his 20s to hospital following the harrowing ordeal.
All of their injuries were non-life threatening.
A Bunnings spokeswoman confirmed the incident occurred at the store before a mixture of staff and customers were taken to hospital.
“We take the safety of our team and customers incredibly seriously and we thank our team for the way they calmly managed the situation,” she said.
“As this is now a police matter, we’re unable to provide further comment.”
A DFES spokeswoman said they received a 000 call at 2.40pm before seven firefighting crews rushed to the scene.
An investigation into the substance remains ongoing.
It comes after a substance, believed to be pepper spray, was sprayed inside a classroom at Ellenbrook Secondary College in November last year.
Four students were arrested over the incident, but no charges were laid.
Police urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.