No charges laid over Auckland mall incident

Three paramedics became sick after coming into contact with the chemical. Photo / NZ Herald

No charges have been laid over an incident at a South Auckland shopping mall that left three paramedics in hospital yesterday.

A cleaner found a man slumped over in a toilet cubical in Westfield Manukau at about 1.20pm and paramedics were thought to have come into contact with a chemical while treating him.

Police media advisor Shelley Nahr said police had been dealing with one man over the incident and no charges were being laid.

The matter was resolved from a police point of view and they wouldn't make further comment.

The Fire Service today confirmed no chemicals were found at the site.

Counties Manukau Fire Service assistant area commander Craig Monrad said police removed drug paraphernalia including a syringe and prescription medications from the area where the man had become unwell.

The man said he'd been injecting morphine, said Mr Monrad.

No other substances or chemicals were located.

Auckland Council manager environmental health Mervyn Chetty this morning said hazardous substances response officers had not received a request for assistance from the police or fire services.

Middlemore Hospital spokeswoman Lauren Young said the man was in a stable condition at Middlemore Hospital this afternoon. He declined to speak to media.

Westfield parent company Scentre Group today said the safety of its retailers, customers and staff "remains a priority".

"Any potential threat is treated seriously," it said.

"We have strong working relationships with all agencies to ensure the on going safety of shoppers and retailers.

"All incidents are reviewed and assessed for any possible changes to procedures."