Police are investigating after a substance similar to OC spray was discharged in a Townsville shopping centre rest room today, injuring patrons.
It will be alleged at around 11am a groups of young females entered the toilets of a Kings Road shopping centre and sprayed a chemical substance believed to be capsicum spray into the air.
A short time later two women aged 27 and 79 entered the bathroom and inhaled the unknown substance which immediately began to make their airways and nose burn, causing breathing difficulties.
The women alerted a female shopping centre employee and a 23-year-old male security guard who entered the area and were also immediately overcome.
Police were called to the scene where the victims were treated by paramedics before being transported to Townsville Hospital.
Officers reviewed CCTV and a short time later arrested four teenage girls in the vicinity who were allegedly in possession of a small black cannister.
The girls, three aged 13 and one aged 14, are currently assisting with inquiries.
The Townsville Child Protection Investigation Unit is investigating.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
