COUNCIL officials have admitted there is currently no inquiry into the cause of a 'gas leak' at a Christchurch supermarket which left three members of staff in need of medical attention.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Sainsbury's in Lyndhurst Road was evacuated on Wednesday afternoon after the casualties 'collapsed' as they became light-headed. None of those involved suffered serious injury or needed hospital treatment.

Firefighters with gas monitors ventilated the building before it was eventually reopened. The service has launched its own investigation.

A spokesperson for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said a contractor was working onsite at the time of the incident, and told the Echo: "It is believed this may be related to a gas leak."

However, since then, no investigation has been launched,

Representatives from the Health and Safety Executive confirmed they are not investigating the incident as Christchurch council is responsible for enforcing the health and safety of retail premises.

However, council officials say they have not received "notification" of the apparently leak - and as such, aren't investigating.

Sean Whitney, public health and protection manager at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: “Christchurch Borough Council has not yet received a notification of this incident.

"Once we have received the details it will be investigated as appropriate.”

Shoppers who were in the branch at the time of the incident said the casualties fell ill within minutes of each other.

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."