‘Hoax’ bomb was real, police admit
They initially dismissed Princes St Gardens device
A SUSPICIOUS package initially dismissed as a hoax by police was a viable device, it emerged yesterday.
Police were alerted to the package in Edinburgh city centre on January 11 and cordoned off a large area before a bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion.
The device was thought to be a hoax and police said it was not ‘viable’.
But yesterday it emerged further tests have proved that the package was dangerous and had the potential to harm people and damage property.
The device, in an unmarked shoe box, was found in a shelter in Princes Street Gardens by a park ranger.
At the time, detectives refused to discuss the contents of the box, but it was understood to have included ‘wires and a battery’.
That was enough for police to call in Army bomb disposal experts from nearby Craigiehall. Scottish Government ministers were also briefed.
At the time, Chief Inspector Alan Carson said: ‘We know it wasn’t a viable device. It could’ve been a hoax. It could’ve been someone who left it behind carelessly.’
But in a statement yesterday Police Scotland 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.’
Police yesterday made a fresh appeal for information about the package.
Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Armstrong, of the Specialist Crime Division, said: ‘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 forensic examination.
Around 800 hours of CCTV footage have been examined and a number of people who were in the gardens interviewed. 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 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.’