Suspect packages sent to politicians
SUSPICIOUS packages with white powder have been sent to politicians and council and party offices this week in three separate incidents.
Following the incidents Police Scotland have issued guidance to all MPs, MSPs and councillors across the country and their staff on handling any suspect parcels delivered to their offices.
Security officials at Holyrood told MSPs that between Tuesday and Wednesday this week, packages containing white powder were sent to an “elected official a political party headquarters and a council building”.
The packages it was said were all associated with the General election on June 8.
SNP East Dunbartonshire MP John Nicolson’s office in Kirkintilloch was sent a suspect package this week, and a package also sent to Angus Council headquarters in Forfar.
Emergency services attended the incidents and building evacuated.
The MP’s office received the package on Tuesday and the package to the SNP run Angus Council was delivered on Wednesday.
The advice to MSPs and their staff from Holyrood Head of Security Becky Thomson included: “Rest the package on a flat surface.
“Make no further attempt to open the package, or touch or move it. Call 999 immediately and evacuate the area.”
Police Scotland said inquiries into this matter are ongoing. Police issued further detailed advice from the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure including: “Clear adjacent rooms and rooms above and below where the package is.
“Do not use mobile phones or two-way radios in the cleared area or within 15 metres of the suspect package.”
The security advice comes as politicians are campaigning for the Local council elections on Thursday next week and the UK General Election on June 8.
Staff in the Scottish Parliament and constituency offices of MSPs have been warned to be vigilant and to be careful of any chemical contents inside suspicious packages.
The advice states: “If there is any suggestion of chemical, biological or radiological materials, move those directly affected to a safe location close to the incident – keep these individuals separate from those not involved.
“Prevent others approaching or accessing the cleared areas.”
Staff are told to record their observations in writing and not discuss them with others.