North Rhine-Westphalia: Cigarette thieves spray irritant gas: injured in the supermarket

Ibbenbüren (dpa / lnw) - Unknown cigarette thieves injured several people with irritant gas in a supermarket in Ibbenbüren, Münsterland. The suspects wanted to pack large amounts of cigarettes in their backpacks on Tuesday when they were disturbed, the police said. To clear an escape route, they sprayed an "irritant," said a spokesman. Several customers and employees complained about respiratory irritation. Five people received medical care on site, and the other five affected were taken to a hospital. The two or three suspects are being sought. It was initially unclear whether they made booty.