Tokyo Police Search for Man After Substance Sprayed at Ginza Mall ATM

At least 19 people were taken to hospital after a strong smell was reported at the Ginza 6 shopping complex in Tokyo on Monday. A police spokesperson said a man sprayed a substance at a cash machine on the ground floor of the luxury centre. The substance is believed to be an irritant spray containing capsaicin, the compound found in chilli peppers.

People near the ATM reported throat pain and itching.

A 70-year-old woman told AFP that her throat felt "scratchy, almost numb" after she entered the area. The same woman said she initially thought there might have been a small fire when she saw the commotion. Emergency crews in hazmat suits later escorted people from the building.

Police, firefighters and ambulance workers responded to the scene. The road in front of the centre was blocked and tarpaulins were hung around part of the mall. Police are continuing to search for the suspect, according to national broadcaster NHK. More than 20 people were reported taken to hospital in some accounts of the incident.