Two women have been arrested on suspicion of producing drugs after a chemical incident in Fulham left ten people, including firefighters, hospitalized with respiratory issues.

The incident occurred at a block of flats on Landridge Road, Fulham, around 12:44 am on Wednesday. Emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters and paramedics discovered an unknown chemical substance, which exposed ten individuals to potentially hazardous fumes. Those affected were treated on the scene and subsequently taken to the hospital. Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening.

The Standard understands that some of the injured were London Fire Brigade firefighters who required immediate medical attention.

A police investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and the nature of the chemical substance involved.

As part of the investigation, a 43-year-old woman and an 18-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and conspiracy to produce controlled drugs. They were taken to a west London police station and have since been bailed pending further inquiries.

The incident prompted a significant emergency response, with eight fire engines and approximately 60 firefighters dispatched to the scene. Crews wearing breathing apparatus assisted residents in evacuating the building safely.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 12:39 am to reports of a chemical incident in Landridge Road, Fulham. We sent a number of resources including ambulance crews, incident response officers, members of our Hazardous Area Response Team, and a trauma team in a car from London’s Air Ambulance. We responded alongside colleagues from the London Fire Brigade. We treated 10 patients – mostly for respiratory problems – and took them all to hospital.”