Police reassure Durrington community of responses to unknown substances
Officers responded to a man falling ill last week in Charles Road
Wiltshire Police have issued a message of reassurance to communities in Durrington after an emergency response to an unknown substance.
The Force insists it takes such reports "extremely seriously".
Emergency services leapt into action on Friday when a man in 40s fell ill after coming into contact with a substance in Charles Road.
The response was later stood down after tests revealed there was no threat to the public.
Chief Inspector Graham McLaughlin said: “We appreciate the concern this incident has had in the community given the recent history and please be assured that the report was taken extremely seriously."
It follows the death of 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess, from Durrington, when she came into contact with deadly nerve agent, Novichok, in June 2018.
The mum-of-three's death has been subject to a public inquiry, with the judge currently determining his findings.
Chief Inspector McLaughlin added: “I would like to thank specialist resources which came to assist from out of county for their time.
“I would also like to thank our partners in the Fire and Ambulance services for their support, and the public and local residents in Durrington for their patience while this incident was dealt with.”
A cordon had been put in place at the address on Charles Road, but was later lifted after the tests came back negative.
The man was assessed at the scene by the ambulance service and did not need any hospital treatment.
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