UPDATED: A man aged in his 20s has died and two paramedics and a family have been hospitalised following a chemical incident in Cowes last night (Wednesday).
Firefighters, Police and Ambulance crews were all called to a residential property on St Mary’s Road yesterday evening, where two paramedics were overcome by a chemical and required hospital treatment. A family living at the address were also conveyed to hospital but all have now been discharged.
Police have this morning confirmed that a man in his 20s died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
Inspector Robert Abel of Hampshire Constabulary said:
“The death is not being treated as suspicious.
“We are still currently at the scene but we would like to reassure residents that there is no wider risk to the community.”
A Dectection, Identification and Monitoring Unit from the mainland arrived at the scene shortly after midnight, remaining on scene for around 4 hours. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have now stood down from the incident, returning to Winchester.
An investigation has been launched and both detectives and officers remain at the scene this morning.
UPDATE @ 09:40 – Police are yet to confirm the chemical or chemicals involved in yesterday’s incident, however it is thought a type of veterinary barbiturate used to depress the nervous system is at the center of the incident.
The exact details of what led to the death of the currently unnamed man are yet to be revealed, but sources say a barbiturate traditionally used to put animals to sleep was used at the property.
UPDATE @ 11:45 – The property remains under scene guard this morning as investigations continue.
Its unknown if the body remains inside the detached house on St Mary’s Road.
The upstairs windows have been opened.
UPDATE @ 13:50 – St Mary’s Road remains closed to traffic and the house remains under guard this afternoon.
Nobody has entered or left the property throughout the day.
Police are yet to confirm the chemical involved or the identity of the deceased.
UPDATE @ 18:00 – Forensic officers have joined detectives at St Mary’s Road this afternoon as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding yesterday’s chemical incident.
The body of a man in his 20s remains at the property and is expected to be removed this afternoon.
UPDATE @ 21:50 – St Mary’s Road, Cowes has now reopened to traffic. Hampshire Constabulary have now left the scene.
The death of the still-unnamed man in his 20s is not being treated as suspicious. Police are preparing a file on behalf of the coroner.
