8 PEOPLE IN HOSPITAL AFTER 'CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE' SET OFF IN A NIGHTCLUB

Eight people have been rushed to hospital after a 'chemical substance' was set off in a Doncaster nightclub that left them 'struggling to breathe'.

Police were called to reports of an attack at Pop Works in Doncaster at 5 a.m. on Sunday. Clubbers complained of feeling unwell, with one saying how they had been sprayed with 'poison gas, which led to the evacuation of more than 60 people.

A woman who experienced the incident told The Mirror: "The security shouted for everybody to get out. I have never seen something like this. Everyone was coughing and sneezing and struggling to breathe. There must have been about 50 or 60 people in the room. It was really creepy, to be honest."

South Yorkshire Police issued a statement, saying: "We are investigating reports a chemical substance was let off inside a night-time venue in Doncaster city centre in the early hours. We were called at 5 a.m. to reports of a number of people feeling unwell at Pop Works on Silver Street.

"Eight people at the venue required hospital treatment, but nobody had lasting effects. We are now working to determine what substance was released at the location. We appeal to anyone with information to come forward."

Chief Inspector David Struggles added: "For those inside Pop Works, this must have been a terrifying ordeal, and we are working hard to determine exactly what happened at the location. This type of offense will cause concern among the community and those who like to use the nighttime economy in the city.

"We want to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible to ease those fears and make those who live in or wish to use the city center for leisure feel safe and secure. If you were inside Pop Works at the time or in the nearby area and saw or heard anything suspicious, we want to hear from you. You could have seen something of significance, no matter how small it seems. It could prove vital to the investigation.”

A spokesperson for the Pop Works nightclub explained: "In the early hours of Sunday morning, around 4.55 a.m., we had to evacuate everyone out of the club. This was a big eye-opener for us as a business, and it was handled very well. Thank you to our door staff and management.

“We would like to apologize to everyone who was inside at the time and involved in the incident. What a world we live in that people would make business more challenging than in this trade after COVID! We are deeply sorry

“Our main priority is our customers' safety and well-being after ensuring the care needed for those involved is provided. Once again, we are truly sorry. Thank you to the fire service and the police that came and helped everyone.”