EMERGENCY services rushed to the Grays shopping Mall today (Friday, 6 December) after a noxious substance was discharged - leaving several shoppers unwell.

Police, firefighters and ambulance crews attended and an Essex Police spokesperson said: "We were called shortly before 12.20pm to reports that several people were feeling unwell after a container, which we believe may have contained CS or pepper spray, was discharged inside The Mall.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and officers searched the local area for several men who left the shopping centre shortly after the incident.

An Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ""We were called at 12.17pm with reports that several people had been sprayed with an unknown substance in The Mall, Grays.

"We sent the hazardous Area Response Team, rapid response vehicle and one ambulance."