Seven people were taken to a hospital after smelling an abnormal odor at a restaurant in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, after someone allegedly released an unidentified spray, the Tokyo Fire Department said early Wednesday.

The department said the victims -- three men and four women -- suffered sore eyes and throats but were not in serious condition.

The incident occurred near JR Shin-Koiwa Station on the JR Sobu Line at around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, police and fire officials said.

The victims included employees and customers in a second-floor restaurant, the fire department said.

Witnesses said someone released a spray on the first floor, and police said they are looking for a man who is about 175 cm tall as a potential suspect.