Police swoop on suspicious package

EMERGENCY services swooped on a suspicious package which washed up on the Waterfront near Bridgeview Station restaurant.

The drama unfolded yesterday afternoon as police taped off an area at the esplanade and blocked any more vehicles approaching the restricted zone while they dealt with the incident.

A fire crew was in attendance, but left shortly after 2pm while officers maintained a presence.

Five spaces were sectioned off with the tape stretching from a litter bin to one vehicle and then back onto the esplanade to a cone.

However, it was quickly established the package was not explosive and emergency services avoided evacuating the area while a police probe continued.

One officer was wearing blue rubber gloves as he dealt with the package.

A witness, who had strolled past the incident, said: “It was quite exciting when the police pulled the package from the water.

“Everyone wondered what it was and then the officers opened it up.

“There were all these little packages which were wrapped in plastic or selophane.

“Your first thoughts do stray towards drugs.

“But it was quite a small package – about 10 inches by 10 inches – and not very thick.”

Police confirmed they pulled a package from the water during the incident.

Police at the scene.