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Seriously ill man found on beach near Berwick

Northumbria Police

7 April 2009


Northumbria Police received a report of concern for the welfare of a man at a lay-by at Cocklawburn Beach near Berwick at shortly before 8pm on Monday April 6. Officers attended the scene and found a seriously ill man.
A metal container in the man's car appeared to be discharging a noxious substance - an industrial chemical - and it was decided that the injured man would be taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
On the way to the hospital, on the A1 in Scotland, the man died and concerns were raised about his exposure to the noxious substance and the exposure of police officers and other emergency staff.
Lothian and Borders Police took appropriate decontamination action, closing a stretch of the A1 Northbound for a time and instigating decontamination procedures in conjunction with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service.
Four officers from Northumbria Police were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for observation overnight.
Northumbria Police and Lothian and Borders Police are continuing to work together on this incident.
The risk of contamination is limited to direct exposure and there is no risk to the public.
Officers are currently working to establish the identity of the deceased man.