However, the barriers were lifted after three hours when the powder was found to be harmless.

The emergency entrance to Gothenburg’s Östra hospital was closed off to the public shortly after 11am on Monday after a man arrived with a mystery powder on him.

“A man has called the emergency services explaining that he handled a chemical subject and felt influenced by it,” explained Ulla Brehm of the Gothenburg police to the Aftonbladet newspaper.

“We don’t know how serious it is. For safety’s sake, we will handle this as if it is something that we don’t want to spread.”

Meanwhile, gas-masked police were on the scene quickly, where they proceeded to keep guard for three hours, before packing up before 2pm, when it was discovered that the powder was not dangerous.

“The operation is over. The police work will continue a little to find out the circumstances surrounding the issue. This means that the powder was not dangerous, in any case,” said Brehm.

The Västra Götaland police explained on their website that the man had come into contact with the substance his workplace in Hisingen, in Gothenburg’s north-west, which was immediately evacuated.

The man’s current condition remains unknown, as do further details regarding the mystery powder.

TT/The Local/og

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