Over 20 people hospitalised in Tokyo after unknown substance allegedly sprayed near ATM

Over 20 people have been injured at a luxury shopping complex in central Tokyo on Monday (25 May) after a man sprayed a substance inside the building, according to Japanese officials.

A police spokesperson said that a man had sprayed the strong-smelling substance at an ATM on the ground floor of the building in the Ginza Six shopping centre.

A local fire department official said 'around 20 people were injured' after reports of a 'smell'.

The Tokyo Fire Department has confirmed, via the Associated Press, that 26 people 'complained of suddenly developing throat pain and felt unwell' near the shopping complex.

All but one of them were taken to a hospital. Their symptoms were believed to be mild, officials said.

Authorities have reportedly identified the substance as an irritant spray likely containing capsaicin, which is found in chilli peppers, per the BBC.

The largest-circulation Yomiuri newspaper said police have detected traces of pepper spray on the wall, AP adds.

Tokyo authorities report that 'around 20 people were injured' following reports of a 'smell' from a shopping centre (CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Image)

The road outside the mall in Ginza, one of the city's busiest shopping districts, was sealed off after the incident, with fire engines lining the street.

Shoppers were still entering and leaving the building through side entrances.

"Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were parked outside the complex, and the surrounding roads were temporarily closed," AP reports.

An AFP reporter at the scene saw two people on stretchers being loaded into an ambulance, while firefighters and officials in hazmat suits escorted people from the mall into specialised vehicles for examination, via the Guardian.

A 70-year-old woman at the mall told NHK her throat started 'stinging and hurting' as she approached the ATM.

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

The senior citizen added: "Once I went into the ATM corner, my throat felt scratchy, almost numb."

Police are investigating the cause (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / Contributor / Getty Images)

The Associated Press adds that Yuzo Tsuda, a 78-year-old Tokyo resident, said that he walked toward the shopping complex after having lunch with friends, drawn by the commotion, when he suddenly felt pain in his throat and started coughing.

"He said the ache in his throat subsided about an hour later, and he did not plan to go to the hospital," the outlet adds.

AP reports that fire department and police officials have confirmed that an investigation was underway.