Six McDonald's workers ‘sprayed with noxious chemical' during ‘robbery' before gang flee in front of horrified diners
SIX McDonald's workers were 'sprayed with a noxious' chemical in a shock attack in front of horrified diners yesterday.
Essex Police have now launched an investigation and looking into whether the attack was an attempted robbery.
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Emergency services were called to the fast food chain in Waltham Abbey following reports of a disturbance.
Four suspects are believed to have entered the building at 5.30pm before squirting a substance at the victims as diners looked on in shock.
Initially, those hit thought it was water, but immediately called the emergency services after their skin and eyes began stinging.
Six people received medical attention and were taken to hospital, but none of the injuries received are thought to be serious.
The suspects, described as white men, fled the scene at the Highbridge Industrial Estate in Waltham Abbey, Essex after the incident.
Detectives and local officers are now carrying out extensive enquiries.
Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Epping Forest and Brentwood District Commander for Essex Police, said: 'We know this incident will have been very concerning to customers and staff last night.
'We want to reassure you that we are carrying out a thorough investigation so we can establish what happened and the circumstances which led up to it.
'We are exploring all options including whether this was an attempted robbery.
'Luckily no-one was seriously injured, but this type of violent behaviour will not be tolerated in Essex.
'We will be carrying out tests to understand exactly what type of liquid was used in this incident and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, has video footage or any other information to contact us immediately.'
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson added: 'Three ambulances, three hazardous area response team vehicles, a paramedic car and a rapid response vehicle were sent to Highbridge Street Waltham Abbey after reports of restaurant staff being assaulted with a chemical substance at 5.35pm yesterday.
'Six patients were conveyed to hospital with three being transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital and three to North Middlesex Hospital.'
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