Waterworld alert: Swimmers left feeling sick with itchy eyes as water park visitors evacuated
COPS, firefighters and paramedics remain in attendance at the UK's biggest indoor water park after visitors suffered "eye and throat irritation and nausea".
Swimmers were evacuated from Waterworld in Stoke on Trent this afternoon in their swimming costumes and the attraction was closed after punters began "aggressive coughing".
Emergency services are urging members of the public to avoid the area.
A police spokesman said: "We are currently in attendance at Waterworld, on Festival Way.
"Colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics are also at the scene following reports of a number of visitors feeling unwell.
"Visitors have reported eye and throat irritation and nausea.
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"The building has been evacuated as a precaution. The emergency services have the incident in hand and urge members of the public to avoid the area.
"We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time."
Swimmers wrapped in towels were waiting in the car park outside the venue.
Witnesses at the scene say an air ambulance has landed, while "aggressive" coughing can be heard, reports.
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A man and a woman were taken to hospital for further checks as a precaution, West Midlands Ambulance Servive said.
Eight ambulances and three fire engines are believed to be among the vehicles to dash to the site.
Police say a number of people have complained of feeling sick and suffering irritation to the throat and eyes.
Mike Roberts, from Chester, told his wife and two sons were among those evacuated.
"Staff were being sick, people had burning eyes," he said.
"They have been checked over by paramedics and my son was asked if he wanted to go to hospital.
"They're OK though, they're on their way home."
Travel company First Bus said their services had been affected by what they described as a "spillage'".
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Waterworld was evacuated after a number of people inside began displaying minor symptoms including watery eyes, a runny nose and nausea.
"A total of 110 people evacuated from the building who were displaying symptoms were rapidly triaged by the team of ambulance medics.
"Once triaged, 46 out of the 110 people received treatment by ambulance staff on scene before being discharged.
"A man and a woman were conveyed to hospital for further checks as a precaution.
“This was a well-managed tri-service response which saw the safe and speedy evacuation of a large number of people. Thankfully no one involved was in a serious condition.
"Investigations into the cause of the incident continue.”
Traffic on the surrounding roads is at a standstill, drivers say.
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The aqua park has 30 rides and attractions, including Thunderbolt, the UK's first trapdoor drop water slide.
The site, which first opened in 1989 and attracts around 400,000 visitors a year, is also home to two 18-hole adventure mini golf courses.
