Man and woman in critical condition after substance alert

A man and a worman are in a critical condition in hospital in Salisbury tonight after it's thought they came in contact with an unknown substance.

Craig Hogden, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police has issued the following statement.

“Yesterday afternoon, 4 March, at approximately 4.15pm, Wiltshire Police received a call from a member of the public who was concerned for the welfare of two people.

“The two people – a man aged in his 60s, and a woman aged in her 30s – were found unconscious on a bench in The Maltings in Salisbury.

“Police officers, as well as colleagues from the ambulance and fire services attended the scene and cordons were put in place.

“The pair, who we believe are known to each other, did not have any visible injuries and were taken to Salisbury District Hospital. They are currently being treated for suspected exposure to an unknown substance. Both are currently in a critical condition in intensive care.

“Because we are still at the very early stages of the investigation, we are unable to ascertain whether or not a crime has taken place.

“A major incident has been declared today and a multi-agency response has been co-ordinated.

“Alongside our partner agencies, we are conducting some extensive enquiries to determine exactly what led to these two people falling unconscious and clarify whether or not any criminal activity has happened.

• Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 999.

The hospital trust has also issued a statement