A MAN has been arrested following an incident in which CS gas had been sprayed in a busy Kidderminster nightclub.

Police, ambulance and fire service were called to the Nu Bar in New Road at around 1.45am this morning following reports that people had been suffering from the effects of an incapacitating agent.

A 29-year-old man from Kidderminster was arrested on suspicion of possessing a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid or gas and assault ABH. He remains in police custody at this time.

A total of 14 people complained about suffering from the effect and two of those treated by paramedics at the scene were taken to hospital.

Their injuries were non-serious and thought to be caused by inhaling the substance, thought to be CS gas, and have since been discharged.

One of the victims who needed hospital treatment was health care assistant Laura Gray, who was enjoying a night out with her family and friends when the incident happened.

The 24-year-old, from Kidderminster, said: “I was dancing when I suddenly felt this liquid running down my chest, arms and a little on my face.

“There was a burning sensation and I started to go red and the next thing I knew there were police, ambulance and firefighters everywhere.

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“It was just so scary and horrible. When it happened, I thought someone had thrown acid on me.

“I was taken to Worcestershire Royal where I was washed. They’ve given me wash for my eyes which still don’t feel right and I’ve only had about three hours sleep in the past 30 hours.

“I don’t think I’ve fully processed what happened really. I don’t go out much and we only went out for a couple of drinks as my brother was up visiting from London. 

“But this has really shaken me and I feel like I don’t want to go out in Kidderminster ever again.”

A West Mercia Police spokesman said investigations are ongoing but moved to reassure the community following the incident.

Peter Bowles, of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said:  “Ambulance staff adopted some of the Remove Remove Remove principals to remove contaminants. Signs suggested CS gas as the potential agent.

“Exposure can cause lacrimation, blepharospasm, burning sensation of throat & nose, chest tightness, sneezing, coughing & retching.”

Anyone with information about the incident or who was in the area at the time is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 64S of 31 March.

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