Police say that London City incident could have simply been an accident
Police officers are investigating yesterday's evacuation of London City airport that led to 500 people being evacuated following a "chemical incident".
A search in the immediate aftermath of the incident identified what was believed to be either CS gas or a spray.
Read more: London City Airport evacuated after fire alarm
"Whilst the cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, officers are investigating if it was the result of an accidental discharge of this cannister," the Metropolitan police said in a statement.
The evacuation took place at 4pm yesterday afternoon after a number of passengers and staff at the airport reporting that they were feeling well. Dozens were treated on site and two people were taken to hospital.
Still waiting to get through at #LCY. Sheltering from spots of rain under the wing of a plane. Apparently there was a fire. pic.twitter.com/auzAiekcsY
— Chris (@Guru_Chris) October 21, 2016
Read more: Flights resume at City Airport after Black Lives Matter protest on runway
The airport re-opened at 7pm and although enquiries continue, no arrests have been made so far. Police added:
At this early stage officers are investigating whether it may have been discarded by a passenger prior to check-in.
Among those caught up in the melee of people was boxer David Haye, who was travelling to Edinburgh to watch London 2012 Olympian Josh Taylor.
Gutted cant get to Scotland for @JoshTaylorBoxer fight tonight. As #CityAirport got evacuated when everyone started coughing uncontrollably!
— David Haye (@davidhaye) October 21, 2016