Noxious substance released in pub

The pub was ventilated and decontaminated

Two women were treated for breathing difficulties after a "noxious substance" was released in a pub.

Police said a number of people in the Callendar Arms in Falkirk reported feeling unwell and emergency services were alerted at about 0040 GMT.

Seven people were treated for itchiness to their eyes and respiratory problems. Two women, aged 23 and 25, were treated in hospital but later released.

The premises were ventilated and decontaminated.

The pub reopened on Saturday afternoon after forensic officers carried out investigations and environmental health officials from the council had declared it safe.

'Bad smell'

Gary MacDonald, the bar manager on duty at the time, said: "The pub was quite full, I was behind the bar in the lounge when a customer came up to say there was a bad smell coming out of the toilet.

"I went to have a look and it was so bad that when I opened the door I couldn't go in. You were choking and your eyes were watering.

"You could see the gas like a haze and it had a musky chemical smell."

He said the pub was then evacuated and staff contacted the emergency services.

Police said the substance was "unknown" at present.

A Central Scotland Police spokesman said: "This was clearly a very serious and concerning incident which resulted in a significant number of people falling unwell."

John Sleith, food and safety regulation manager at Falkirk Council, said: "After discussion with Central Scotland Police and staff at the location, an inspection of the premises was carried out and were deemed fit for public use at approximately 3.30pm."