SAINSBURY'S shoppers battled for breath and collapsed in aisles "like something from a movie scene" as a store was filled with the smell of "peroxide", it's claimed.

Six customers of the branch in Longbridge, West Mids were left struggling to breathe during the bizarre incident this morning.

The store, as well as surrounding businesses, have been evacuated, and locals are urged to keep away.

One shopper claimed the first woman fell ill at 9.30am amid a strong chemical smell.

The store remains closed and people are being urged to avoid the area.

Paramedics say six people have been treated at the scene for "minor respiratory symptoms".

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Ambulances, cops and fire engines were called to the scene at around 10am, and a 50-metre cordon is in place.

"We are currently dealing with an incident at Sainsbury's in Longbridge Lane, Longbridge," a police spokesperson.

"We were alerted at about 10am to reports that six people were suffering breathing problems.

"Officers attended and the store has been evacuated."

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People are also being told to leave other buildings nearby, they said.

"The six patients are being treated by paramedics at the scene," the spokesperson added.

"We have specialist officers working with colleagues across the emergency services to establish exactly what has happened.

"A cordon has been put in place and we'd advise people to stay away from the area.

"Anyone who has been in the area and is feeling unwell should seek medical advice as a precaution."

It's understood a faulty fridge may be responsible for the problems.

Were you in the store? Get in touch via [email protected]. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502

Locals have now taken to social media to tell of their horror.

One said: "My son works there and he said staff and customers were passing out in the aisles.

"They have been told it’s a gas leak. He said it was like a movie scene."

A customer said she saw a woman "struggling to breathe" during a visit at 9.30am.

In a post on Facebook, she said: "I wasn't in there long so didn't notice, but at the checkout, the lady had to have a first aider.

"Wondering if that was the start of it all."

'STRUGGLED TO BREATHE'

Another said: "I was there around 9.30am.

"It smelled funny, like peroxide, and people were coughing.

"Some of the assistants were saying they couldn’t breathe and it affected their throats."

A third woman claimed members of staff had fainted.

The social media user, who said her children work in the branch, posted: "My daughter rang to say it was horrible – people coughing, fighting for breath and passing out."

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Longbridge Shopping said: "To make customers aware the main high street off Longbridge Lane is closed."

Sun Online has contacted Sainsbury's for comment.

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