Cineplex says it has cancelled all remaining screenings of the movie ‘Theri’ after the spraying of a “noxious substance” in Mississauga, Brampton and Toronto movie theatres Friday night, causing irritation to several patrons and forcing the theatres in Peel to close for the evening.

The theatre giant did confirm that each incident was “localized” to a single auditorium at each location, but won’t say if the theatres evacuated were showing the movie in question at the time, citing an ongoing police investigation.

“The safety and security of our guests and employees is our top priority and while each incident was localized to a single auditorium, in an abundance of caution we evacuated each of the theatres entirely,” said Cineplex spokesperson Sarah Van Lange. “Steps were taken immediately that evening to ensure the situation was addressed. We continue to take precautionary measures.”

Van Lange said as a precaution, Cineplex has cancelled all remaining screenings of the movie Theri, a Tamil action film released in theatres earlier this month.

Peel Regional Police are investigating the incidents which officers believe are linked. They occurred at the same time around 7:20 p.m. at the Cineplex movie theatre on Rathburn Road West, near Square One Shopping Centre, and the SilverCity Cineplex theatre location at Trinity Common Mall. In each incident, unknown suspects released a noxious substance into a movie theatre, police said.

Movie patrons complained of burning throats and other irritation and were treated on scene at each location.

Peel Region Paramedics were on both scenes and assessed more than 12 people at each location for exposure to a chemical, transporting one person to hospital with minor injuries.

While the chemical is believed to be pepper spray, that remains under investigation, according to police and paramedics.

“In both instances, the effects of the substance were similar to that caused by pepper spray,” said Peel Const. Bally Saini. “The theatre operators are working in conjunction with Peel Regional Police and are providing all information possible to insure their customers and staff are kept safe.”