INVESTIGATIONS are continuing after an unidentified noxious substance was sprayed inside a busy pub, leaving staff and customers with breathing difficulties.

The William Hedley pub, on North Road, in Durham was evacuated on Saturday evening after the incident.

Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were called to the pub at 5.45pm, while the area was still busy with crowds returning from Durham Miners’ Gala.

Police said that a small number of staff and customers reported symptoms of irritation to the nose and eyes and difficulty in breathing, although there were no serious injuries or reports of lasting effects.

The premises were quickly declared safe, but remained closed on Saturday evening as a precaution.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: “The substance has not yet been identified and inquiries are ongoing”.

Detective Sergeant Steven Richards, of Durham City CID, said: “This was understandably alarming for those present, but despite the premises being busy, there have fortunately been no reports of any lasting effects.

“A police investigation is now underway to determine the nature and source of the substance”.

Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to call Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.