SHOPPERS were forced to evacuate a Worcester DIY shop following the latest incident involving CS gas.

Police believe it is linked to two other incidents in Worcester where CS gas capsules have been set alight and left to spread fumes.

The capsule was placed on the floor of Wickes, on the Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, Tallow Hill, and set alight at 7pm on Tuesday.

In a second incident on the same night, the Firefly pub in Lowesmoor was also evacuated when a CS gas tablet was set alight at 8.05pm.

Yesterday the Worcester News reported that four people suffered smoke inhalation after a CS gas capsule was let off inside the Central Mosque in Tallow Hill on Sunday. None required hospital treatment.

Two Wickes customers and one pub customer went to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for treatment but were later sent home.

The shock incidents have sparked a police investigation into why people are getting hold of the tablets and setting them alight inside buildings.

It is thought the capusles are those used by the Ministry of Defence to test respirators.

Dean Miles, merchandise manager at Wickes, said: "A couple of gentlemen were observed entering the store and were suspected of a theft, and as they left it all occurred.

"Smoke started to come from one part of the store and the building was evacuated. There were still a few customers in but everyone got out.

"We are going to send flowers to one of the ladies who inhaled the gas. We managed to reopen as usual in the morning."

A spokesman for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "When fire crews arrived they needed breathing apparatus to enter the Wickes building, which had already been evacuated.

"They found a small quantity of brown substance which gave off fumes."

Police have arrested three men following the incidents on Tuesday, but still want to hear from people who witnessed either one.

Five men were arrested following Sunday's incident at the mosque. One of them has since appeared before Worcester magistrates and was remanded in custody until Tuesday June 5 after pleading guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.

The other four have been bailed to return to Worcester police station while enquiries continue.

Police can be contacted on 08457 444888, quoting 683S 130507 for the first incident, 591S/150507 for the second or 604S/150507 for the third.