Japan man allegedly sprays unidentified gas at Ginza shopping mall, 14 sent to hospital, 53 fire department vehicles dispatched

A man in Ginza, one of Tokyo's most upscale commercial districts, allegedly sprayed an unknown substance at a shopping mall, according to various Japanese media reports.

The strong odour at the GINZA Six shopping mall led to multiple emergency calls.

Several people complained of symptoms, including sore throats, after emergency personnel arrived at the scene.

According to The Japan Times, 25 people complained of feeling unwell, with 14 being taken to hospital.

53 fire department vehicles, including fire engines, had been dispatched, according to The Japan Times.

The incident occured at the first floor of the mall.

According to Kyodo News, a man allegedly allegedly sprayed a substance at the scene.

He had already fled when the authorities arrived.

Security camera footage reportedly showed a man spraying something at the scene.

A woman who was at the shopping mall told NHK that when she tried to go inside, the air felt strange.

She noted that everyone around her was covering their mouths.

"When I went into the ATM area, my throat felt scratchy and numb, so I immediately went outside and called the fire department. My throat is still scratchy now."

The police are searching for him.