A number of people were taken to hospital as a precaution following contact with a “possibly noxious substance” at a house in south Belfast.
The alarm was raised at around 5.30pm on Tuesday when emergency services attended a property in Damascus Street following reports of a number of people feeling unwell.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said four people, and a number of police officers, were taken to hospital as a precaution.
“It follows potential contact with a possibly noxious substance in the property,” they said.
“Their conditions are not life-threatening.”
In a statement issued around 9.30pm, police said specialist colleagues were conducting checks and there was no wider risk to the public at that time.
District Commander Superintendent Allister Hagan said the incident had been contained.
“Our priority is always the safety of the public and our officers,” he 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, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it had taken four patients to the Royal Hospital in Belfast.
A NIAS statement said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a number of 999 calls shortly after 17.00 on Tuesday September 30 following reports of an incident in the Damascus Street area.
“NIAS despatched four emergency crews to the incident.
“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, four patients were taken to Royal Victoria Hospital.”
At 9.30pm, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said their crews had left the scene.
“Crews from Central, Cadogan, Lisburn and Dromore initially attended supported by five officers,” they said.
“Crews utilised detection and monitoring equipment to assist in resolving the incident.
“Crews have now left the scene.” - PA
