AN arrest has been made following an incident in Bath in which a small number of people reported feeling unwell. The ambulance service was called at approximately 2.30pm on Monday 29 July to Stall Street and were informed a woman in possession of a plastic bag had approached members of the public, who then felt ill.

Avon and Somerset Police were contacted by the ambulance service at 3.08 pm, and a cordon was set up to allow emergency services to respond and ensure the wider public remained safe. Avon Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

The ambulance service initially informed Police they had taken two people to hospital, but ultimately only one woman needed to be conveyed because she was experiencing breathing difficulties and itchy eyes. She was checked over and discharged later in the evening.

The scene was lifted shortly before 8pm after the area had been checked. No trace of any chemical or hazardous substance was found.

CCTV enquiries were carried out to identify the individual who was in possession of the plastic bag at the time of the incident. A 73-year-old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of administering an unknown noxious substance.

Chief Inspector Scott Hill, of the Bath Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We'd like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we dealt with an incident in Bath yesterday.

"Public safety is always our top priority and we implemented well-rehearsed plans to ensure this isolated incident was dealt with as swiftly and effectively as possible.

"We can confirm thorough testing of the surrounding public area was carried out before the cordon was lifted which confirmed there were no traces of any chemical substance.

"We are aware there was speculation on social media yesterday about this and hope confirming this provides reassurance to the public. We are not aware of there being any increased risk to the public, but officers will be on patrol in the city centre today if anyone wishes to speak with us directly to raise any concerns they may have.“

Anyone with information that could assist Avon and Somerset Police is asked to contact them via there online form or on 101 and quote reference number 5224197741.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You will not need to provide your name and you will not need to go to court.