Hazardous substance in letter afflicts 11 at US marine base

A security scare has been reported at a US military base in Arlington, Virginia.

Eleven people fell ill and three had to be taken to hospital after an envelope containing an unknown substance was opened.

A hazardous materials team was dispatched and the building evacuated.

The sick are said to have come down with nosebleeds and burning hands after the letter was opened.

The three people in hospital are said to be in a stable condition.