Several individuals have been hospitalized following a large-scale pepper spray incident at a nightclub, where attendees were left struggling to breathe.

Revellers at the club in Bremervorde, Germany, were evacuated around 1 am last night after reports emerged that a substance had been indiscriminately sprayed on the dancefloor, as reported by NDR.

A spokesperson for the police verified that multiple individuals sustained evident injuries and were experiencing breathing issues and eye and respiratory irritation.

Emergency responders were summoned to the location at 1:14 am early Sunday morning. Upon their arrival, the club had already initiated evacuation procedures.

In total, 38 people suffered injuries, with eight requiring immediate transport to a hospital. Authorities are treating the incident as aggravated assault and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.