One of the UK’s largest indoor water parks has been evacuated after visitors reported ‘eye and throat irritation’ and ‘nausea’.
Ambulance crews have been called to Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent with ‘specialist resources’ on the scene.
Police are also in attendance and investigations are being carried out to find the cause.
Posting on Twitter, Stoke-on-Trent Police, said that the building had been evacuated as precautionary measure.
A police spokesman said: ‘We are currently in attendance at Waterworld, on Festival Way. Colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics are also at the scene following reports of a number of visitors feeling unwell.
‘Visitors have reported eye and throat irritation and nausea.
‘The building has been evacuated as a precaution. The emergency services have the incident in hand and urge members of the public to avoid the area. We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.’
Evacuated visitors have been pictured stood in their swimwear outside the building, with many wrapped in towels to keep warm.
Up to eight ambulances and three fire engines, as well as police have been seen outside.
One eye-witness said an air ambulance has landed behind the Best Western Plus hotel, according to Staffordshire Live.
West Midland Ambulance Service said a ‘number of people’ were being assessed and asked members of the public to avoid the area.
In a tweet, the ambulance service said: ‘We have a number of ambulances & specialist resources at Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent with @StaffsFire @StaffsPolice.
‘We’re assessing a number of people who report feeling unwell. Please avoid the area to allow 999 staff to deal with the incident.’
The park first opened in 1989 and attracts around 400,000 visitors per year.
Waterworld has been contacted for a comment.