Three treated after suspicious package alert at police station

A suspicious package which led to Thorpe Wood Police Station being closed off and staff needing treatment turned out to be cocaine.

There was a large emergency presence outside the station on Tuesday evening following reports of a “suspicious package” being delivered to the station.

More than 20 firefighters, as well ambulance crews, all rushed to the scene, with three members of police staff needing treatment, although fortunately none needed to be taken to hospital.

The road was also closed to vehicles, although pedestrians were said to be able to pass by.

Photos from the scene showed a large number of emergency service personnel standing at the entrance to the station as the incident was tackled.

Cambridgeshire police did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday evening, but yesterday (Wednesday) morning the force confirmed more details about what had unfolded, with a spokeswoman saying: “The emergency services were called at 5.21pm on Tuesday evening (November 12) to deal with a suspicious package discovered at Thorpe Wood Police Station, Peterborough.

“Staff who had handled the contents of the package, a white powder, reported feeling unwell.

“The enquiry office and road outside the station were closed as a precaution.

“After further investigation the substance was found to be cocaine.

“Staff were checked over by paramedics and it has been reported since then that they are all fine and well.

“Police are currently investigating the origin of the parcel.”

A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said on Tuesday night that they had sent four fire crews and the north roaming fire engine, saying the move had: “followed reports of a hazardous material being identified at the station.”

He added at the time: “Three casualties have been assessed at the scene.”

A spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 5.26pm on Tuesday with reports of a suspicious package in Thorpe Wood, Peterborough. We sent the Hazardous

Area Response Team, two ambulances and two ambulance officers. No-one required transport to hospital.”

The emergency services at the scene at Thorpe Wood. Photo: Terry Harris