A “major incident” has been declared at an M&S store in southeast London after a suspected carbon monoxide leak.
Police, firefighters and paramedics rushed to the shop in Charlton after the alarm was raised at 8.35am this morning.
Greenwich councillor David Gardner posted on social media: “There is a major incident this morning at M&S Charlton with 35 people being treated for Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
“All three emergency services are in attendance, so best avoid the area until all clear.”
The London Ambulance Service said it had treated 30 people for chemical inhalation with 11 patients rushed to hospital for further treatment.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Firefighters are currently at the scene of a suspected carbon monoxide incident at a shop on Gallions Road in Charlton.
"Crews are working alongside multi-agency partners to resolve the incident safely.”
LFB borough commander Ben King later confirmed that carbon monoxide was detected “throughout the store”.
Scroll down for latest updates.
People treated for chemical inhalation 'were M&S staff'
14:55 , Tom PlaceA major incident was reported at a Marks and Spencer store in Charlton this morning after a suspected carbon monoxide leak.
The London Ambulance Service said it had treated 30 people for chemical inhalation with 11 patients rushed to hospital for further treatment.
The BBC reported that is is understood those treated were members of staff and no customers were affected.
Six of the staff members are undergoing further tests in hospital, with no injuries thought to be life-threatening, according to Greenwich councillor David Gardner.
Firefighters find 'elevated readings of carbon monoxide'
14:34 , Megan HoweFirefighters carried out a sweep of the building and found “elevated readings of carbon monoxide”, the LFB said in a statement.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have used specialist equipment to carry out a systematic sweep of the building and found elevated readings of carbon monoxide. Crews have carried out further sweeps to check for no elevated readings. They have also completed a ventilation of the building.
“Around 35 people left the building before firefighters arrived and crews have assisted colleagues from the London Ambulance Service to treat a number of patients at the scene.
“Two fire engines and two fire rescue units were sent to the scene.”
Carbon monoxide detected throughout M&S store
14:03 , Matt WattsBen King, London Fire Brigade borough commander, has told how carbon monoxide was detected “throughout the store”.
As we reported earlier 30 people were treated for chemical poisoning and 11 taken to hopsital for treatment.
Up to 50 people evacuated from store as carbon monoxide alarms sounded
13:53 , Matt WattsBen King, London Fire Brigade borough commander, said they were alerted by carbon monoxide alarms going off at the store around 8.50am.
“We assisted with an evacuation of the store. There were probably 30, 40, maybe 50 people.”
He said the evacuees would mostly have been staff as the store had yet to open to the public.
He added: “A number of people have been taken to hospital.“We stood down around 1.30pm”
Councillor reports issues 'not life-changing'
13:48 , Tom PlaceDavid Gardner, a local councillor and Deputy Mayor of Greenwich Peninsula, has posted the below on his Facebook page:
“40+ staff were affected, no customers. 6 are undergoing tests in hospital, none thought to be life-changing. Police will stand down shortly but M&S store may remain closed for a couple of days while the leak is rectified and assured all safe.”
Police officer describes 'major incident'
13:34 , Tom PlaceA police officer at the scene said he believed a number of people were treated for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
He said: “I believe there was a leak in the store. There were lots of ambulances here earlier. It's a major incident for us. My understanding is that no one was too seriously hurt.”
He said he expected the store to remain closed for the rest of the day.
Latest pictures
13:32 , Tom PlaceThere are a large number of emergency services at the scene.
The Marks and Spencer store is currently shut with a large section of the retail park car park cordoned off.
The current scene
13:29 , Tom Place
M&S statement
13:27 , Tom PlaceMarks and Spencer have released a statement on the incident.
A M&S spokesperson said: “Our Charlton store is temporarily closed as we investigate an incident that happened earlier this morning, we hope to reopen as soon as possible.”
Public advised to avoid area
13:24 , Tom PlaceThe emergency services are still on-site, with fire crews and medical teams coordinating to ensure the area is safe.
Shoppers and residents have been urged to avoid Gallions Road until the all-clear is given.
Fire Brigade statement
13:21 , Tom PlaceA London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Firefighters are currently at the scene of a suspected carbon monoxide incident at a shop on Gallions Road in Charlton.
"Crews are working alongside multi-agency partners to resolve the incident safely.
"The Brigade was called at 0835 and two fire engines and two fire rescue units are at the scene."
Quotes from the scene
13:17 , Tom PlaceJames Johnson, Strategic Commander for the London Ambulance Service, said: “We were called at 9.32am today (December 16) to reports of an incident on Gallions Road, Charlton.
“We have sent a number of resources to the scene, including both conventional ambulance resources, specialist assets such as our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and Advanced Paramedic Practitioners."
He later added: “We treated 30 people for chemical inhalation. We took 11 patients to hospital and discharged 19 patients at the scene.”
Latest updates from the scene
13:14 , Tom PlaceThere have been reports of a major incident at a Marks and Spencer store in Charlton this morning.
Police, paramedics and fire crews are in attendance at the store on Gallions Road in Charlton.
Greenwich councillor David Gardner posted on Facebook: '35 people being treated for Carbon Monoxide poisoning'.
