Tokyo: An unknown assailant sprayed an unidentified chemical, believed to be pepper spray, on people near a luxury department store in the Ginza district of central Tokyo around noon local time today, leaving at least 23 people injured.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred at an ATM on the ground floor of the luxury Ginza Six department store in the Ginza district of central Tokyo. A suspect reportedly sprayed an unknown chemical on people in the area. Eyewitnesses reported feeling a burning sensation, tightness in the throat, dizziness, or numbness when approaching the area. Another witness described a strong, pungent smell similar to pepper, causing people to cough and try to flee the building. The incident caused panic among both Japanese and foreign tourists, as Ginza is a densely populated tourist area.

Tokyo firefighters and police said 23 people were injured and felt unwell, mostly with minor symptoms such as sore throats and eye irritation. At least 11 people were taken to hospital. Rescue workers and firefighters in chemical protective suits secured the area, screened patients for medical examinations, and temporarily closed roads around the shopping mall.

The perpetrator has fled the scene. Japanese police are investigating the motive, reviewing CCTV footage, and tracking down the suspect. However, local media, citing the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, reported that the substance sprayed is believed to be pepper spray. CCTV footage shows the suspect deliberately spraying a group of employees before taking advantage of the panic to flee the mall.