A SUPERMARKET in Christchurch was evacuated following a suspected gas leak which led to three casualties.

Police, fire and ambulance dealt with the incident at Sainsbury’s in Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch, on Wednesday afternoon.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said firefighters liaised with paramedics before going into the store with gas monitors and ventilating the premises.

“At approximately 3.30pm, crews from DWFRS were requested by South West Ambulance Service to attend a commercial premises in Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch. SWASFT were dealing with three casualties at the store.

“A contractor was working on site at the time of the reported casualties and it is believed this may be related to a gas leak. After taking advice from National Chemical Emergency Centre, crews [entered] the store wearing personal protective equipment and ventilated the premises.”

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service said they were called at around 2.40pm.

The site was evacuated and they dealt with three casualties who were coughing and light headed.

It is believed no-one was taken to hospital.

One shopper who was in Sainsbury’s at the time of the store’s closure said everyone was told to leave the store around 3.30pm.

“We weren’t given any information about what was going on. Staff just asked us to leave the shop straightaway,” they said.

Harriet Jameson, from Christchurch, said: “Two members of staff collapsed within five minutes of each other at the checkouts from what I know.

“I was queuing at the checkout after having had a look around for any late Christmas deals and then, all of a sudden, over the tannoy they asked everyone to leave immediately.

“It was calm and well organised, but I did feel a little bit anxious. There was already an ambulance here dealing with the staff who were not well.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We’re grateful no customers or colleagues were seriously harmed and are supporting the fire brigade’s investigation.”