Passengers have complained of a man in a gas mask unleashing a noxious substance on several trams, as people report hearing a “hissing” noise.
Passengers on services on the Metrolink in Bury said they felt dizzy and lightheaded following incidents on Saturday and last Thursday. The suspect boarded in the Queen’s Road and Crumpsall area while wearing a blue gas mask which covered his mouth before a ‘hissing’ sound was heard, followed by the strong smell of gas.
One passenger, who got off the service on Thursday told the Manchester Evening News he reported the incident to police.
He said “I was sat on the tram and a guy got on at Queen’s Road wearing a blue face mask with an industrial gas mask over the top of that. There was a hissing noise and people started looking around.
“Then we smelt gas, it was really strong. One girl who was near him got up and moved away from him. People looked really concerned.
“I had a headache and felt dizzy and a bit sick. When the tram got to Abraham Moss, myself and a few other people got off and I reported it to the police.”
Another added: “Some fella was on the tram with a gas mask letting off some gas and everyone had to get off. I was on it, sat across from him and watched him twist the gas canister in his pocket to let it out.”
Another person posted on Facebook : “Last night on my way home from work on the Metrolink from Market Street to Bury, a man got on the back of the crowded tram wearing an industrial grade gas mask wearing a blue hoodie and a back pack.
“After two minutes of him getting in he started to fidget in his pocket. Everyone started to worry and panic, lots of people started to run down the tram away from him, the smell and the effect of whatever substance he released was extremely strong. I nearly lost consciousness after five seconds.”
The Mirror has approached Greater Manchester Police for comment.
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