25 people rushed to hospital as 'mystery substance' sprayed at Tokyo shopping centre

An investigation is now underway in Tokyo, Japan, following an incident earlier today (25 May).

A busy mall went into chaos when a man allegedly sprayed an ‘unknown substance’ around a bank ATM on the first floor, near a luxury department store in Ginza.

After this, Japanese fire department officials say more than 20 people developed sore throats.

Japan’s Nippon TV obtained footage of dozens of emergency responders at the scene as one appeared to be in a hazmat suit, seemingly wiping a stain on a wall. Others wearing hazmat suits could be seen going inside the mall.

The Tokyo Fire Department said 26 people complained of suddenly developing throat pain and felt unwell near the Ginza Six shopping complex. It added that all but one of them were taken to a hospital.

A large number of emergency responders attended the scene. (David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The largest-circulation Yomiuri newspaper said police have detected traces of pepper spray on the wall in Ginza. Other reports add that it’s believed to have been an irritant spray, identified by authorities as likely containing capsaicin – which is found in chilli peppers.

Public broadcaster NHK had said that police were still looking for the suspect.

Yuzo Tsuda, 78, told The Associated Press that he walked toward the shopping centre after having lunch with friends, drawn by the commotion. He then felt pain in his throat and began coughing.

Tsuda said the ache subsided about an hour later.

And a 70-year-old woman at the mall told AFP that as she walked near to the ATM, her throat began ‘stinging’.

“By the time I arrived, the commotion had already started, and I thought there might have been a small fire or something,” she explained.

“Once I went into the ATM corner, my throat felt scratchy, almost numb.”

Officials say those taken to hospital are believed to have mild symptoms. And NHK added that the injuries appeared to be light as people were taken into ambulances and examined.

More than 20 people were taken to hospital. (David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Officials from the fire department and police have said an investigation is underway.

Emergency workers could be seen hanging sheets of tarp around part of the shopping centre.

The surrounding roads were temporarily closed as dozens of fire engines and ambulances were parked outside the Ginza Six shopping complex.

While the road was blocked off, shoppers continued coming and going from the building itself using side entrances.

Violent crime in Japan is relatively rare, with the country having a low murder rate and some of the toughest gun laws in the world.