Sixteen people have been injured in a suspected chemical incident at the headquarters of Scottish Gas in Edinburgh.
Three have been taken to hospital, police confirmed, while others are being treated at the scene.
Police, fire crews and paramedics rushed to the scene on Waterfront Avenue, Granton, at around 5.15pm this evening.
Members of the public have been told to avoid the area, which has been put on lockdown.
The building has also been evacuated.
One source told the Scottish Sun: “People were feeling ill all day in the office. Many with headaches.
“At around 5pm the building was evacuated and there was talk about some staff having collapsed in the office.
“It looks like a gas leak, that’s what they seem to be treating it as but nothing has been confirmed.”
Another added: "I was in the office today but left just before it was evacuated (and went home as I felt dodgy and vision was blurry, funnily enough!)"
And one woman at the scene said: "There are lots of fire engines, police cars and ambulances.
“The area that building is on is known for having lots of pipes underground.
“There are also gas holding tanks in the area.
“It was contamination and clean-up issues that scuppered a proposed housing development some years ago.
“All the gas for most of Edinburgh used to be held in the area, so there are a huge number of underground pipes.”
Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus have entered the building to investigate the cause of the incident.
Meanwhile, a Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed they had received a report of a possible chemical incident within a Scottish Gas building at around 5.15pm today.
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They added: “We are working alongside our partners in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of this incident.
“Thirteen people have received treatment at the scene for minor illness. Three of these people have been taken to hospital for further observation.
“We would urge people to avoid the Waterfront area while the emergency response is ongoing.
“Waterfront Broadway, Waterfront Avenue, and Caroline Park Avenue are currently closed and the area is cordoned off.”
And a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We can confirm the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance.”
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