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\n\t\tNatwest\u2019s Golders Green branch was evacuated at 3.45pm on Friday afternoon (Picture: John Dunne)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tNatwest\u2019s Golders Green branch was evacuated at 3.45pm on Friday afternoon (Picture: John Dunne)<\/p>\n
Dozens of police and hazardous chemical experts have swooped on a bank in north London<\/a> which was evacuated last week.<\/p>\n A branch of NatWest<\/a> in Golders Green was shut after several people reported feeling unwell on Friday afternoon<\/a>.<\/p>\n Experts from the London Fire Brigade<\/a> attended the scene but found that there were no harmful levels of hazardous materials present.<\/p>\n Further forensic tests have been carried out and police remain on the scene.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the five people who reported experiencing unusual symptoms were checked by London Ambulance Service paramedics and required no further treatment.<\/p>\n The bank was still shut as of Monday morning, but is expected to open later in the day. A sign on the front door says the branch is \u2018temporarily closed\u2019.<\/p>\n \t\t One customer said: \u2018It\u2019s a bit of a mystery, the sign just says temporarily closed. I need to get money out for my business.\u2019<\/p>\n A witness who runs a shop opposite the bank told Metro: \u2018It was unreal.<\/p>\n \u2018There were so many police and people in chemical suits. Considering what has been going on in the area lately, it\u2019s very worrying. Seeing the levels of response, it was frightening.\u2019<\/p>\n Police have said inquiries are ongoing, but no terror link is suspected. <\/p>\n What have the Met Police said?<\/p>\n A Met Police<\/a> spokesman said: \u2018Officers, the London Fire Brigade, and the London Ambulance Service responded quickly and evacuated the premises before conducting tests which confirmed there to be no elevated levels of hazardous materials.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLatest London news\t\t\t<\/p>\n To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro’s London news hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018The cordon [around the bank] has since been removed, but a small scene remains in place inside the building while forensic examinations are carried out.<\/p>\n \u2018We believe there to be no wider impact to the community and we thank residents for their patience and cooperation while emergency services carried out the initial response.\u2019<\/p>\n London Fire Brigade sent crews from Euston, Bexley, West Hampstead.<\/p>\n Assistant commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: \u2018A number of people were experiencing a range of symptoms which could indicate exposure to a chemical or other substance.<\/p>\n \u2018Crews carried out a thorough search of the area using detection, identification and monitoring equipment and have now confirmed there are no elevated levels of hazardous materials present.\u2019<\/p>\n There is currently no suggestion that the incident is linked with a spate of antisemitic attacks on the area in recent months \u2013 including the stabbing of two men<\/a> just a few hundred yards from the bank and the torching of four volunteer<\/a> ambulances run by Jewish charity<\/a> Hatzola.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, police have confirmed they will continue to deploy extra patrols in the Golders Green area following the spate of suspected antisemitic attacks.<\/p>\n A staff member at the convenience store Price Chopper said: \u2018My customers are all talking about it. There were loads of emergency services.<\/p>\n \u2018Everyone is nervous around here after the recent attacks.\u2019<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6e25c2ca-5215-46c2-a3d8-f67840be9a72-6688.jpg\")
\n\t\tA Natwest worker outside the bank (Picture: John Dunne)<\/p>\n
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