Man arrested after ‘tear gas’ incident at Dundee job centre

A man has been arrested in connection with the suspected release of tear gas in a Dundee job centre.

Around 150 staff were ordered to evacuate after visitors reported feeling unwell and having breathing difficulties on Tuesday. It is understood that as many as five people may have been affected to some degree.

A police spokesman said that two women had been taken to Ninewells Hospital as a precaution.

The area was cordoned off although the main shopping centre and the rest of Wellgate complex, including Central Library, remained open as normal.

The windows of the job centre were opened to disperse any potentially noxious substance. A firefighter who emerged from the building around one hour after the incident began is understood to have reported no unusual smell.

The fire service sent a heavy rescue unit and hazardous materials unit to the scene, while the ambulance service sent an incident response unit, an emergency support unit and a forward command vehicle.

Police have charged a 31-year-old who is expected to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Wednesday.