The release of the unknown material, possibly capsicum spray or mace, could have caused panic among the patrons, resulting in very serious injuries in the crowded Wayside Hotel, police and ambulance spokesmen said as they condemned the act.
About 300 people were evacuated after the spray was released into the City Road hotel's air-conditioning system shortly after 2am (AEDT).
Paramedics checked 16 people and 12 were taken to hospital after being affected by the irritant, ambulance commander Paul Holman said.Senior Detective Jason Crawford told reporters a person seen on the roof could hold the key.
The release of the unknown material, possibly capsicum spray or mace, could have caused panic among the patrons, resulting in very serious injuries in the crowded Wayside Hotel, police and ambulance spokesmen said as they condemned the act.
About 300 people were evacuated after the spray was released into the City Road hotel's air-conditioning system shortly after 2am (AEDT).
Paramedics checked 16 people and 12 were taken to hospital after being affected by the irritant, ambulance commander Paul Holman said.Senior Detective Jason Crawford told reporters a person seen on the roof could hold the key.
