Suspicious Edinburgh package was explosive

TEST: Results prove device left in Princes Street Gardens shelter last month had potential to damage people and property

A suspicious package found in Edinburgh city centre has been found to be an explosive device with potential to cause harm, despite first being thought of as an “elaborate hoax”.

Police Scotland were alerted to the object at a shelter in Princes Street Gardens on Thursday, January 11.

Further tests by investigators have proven it to be dangerous, with the ability to harm people and property nearby, the police revealed yesterday.

A police statement said: “Initial assessment of the package suggested it was an elaborate hoax, however further forensic examination has now confirmed the contents had the potential to cause injury to persons and damage to property within close proximity of it.”

Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Armstrong, Specialist Crime Division, added: “It has been almost six weeks since this suspicious package was left within a shelter at Princes Street Gardens and I’m hoping that this further public appeal will encourage people with information – no matter how small – to come forward.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the immediate vicinity of the gardens or who has information as to who may be responsible.”

The package is still undergoing further expert forensic examination but Police Scotland has said it is unable to give further details about its contents and capability.

Around 800 hours of CCTV footage has been examined and a number of people who were in the gardens have been interviewed.

An “extensive” investigation is ongoing and more than a dozen detectives were conducting investigations in the park yesterday.

Officers have urged witnesses and anyone with photographs or video footage taken on the day in the surrounding area to come forward.

Chief Inspector David Robertson added: “Public safety remains our priority and I would urge people to remain vigilant, be alert not alarmed, and to report anything suspicious to police.

“We continue to police the many city centre events appropriately and are committed to working in partnership to ensure Edinburgh remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Anyone who thinks they have information has been urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1204 of the February 21 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Members of the public with images or footage can email operationalexandra@ scotland.pnn.police.uk

I would urge people to remain vigilant and be alert, not alarmed. CHIEF INSPECTOR DAVID ROBERTSON