Security alert after suspicious packages linked to general election
SNP politicians have been targeted with suspicious packages containing white powder ahead of the general election, prompting police to issue security advice to MSPS.
Three packages have caused security scares after being intercepted in recent days. The office of the Nationalist MP John Nicolson was targeted on Tuesday, with a separate package delivered to the Angus Council offices in Forfar containing the message: “Get SNP out. Tories In.”
A third package was sent to the S np headquarters in edinburgh’ s Jackson’s Entry, off the Royal Mile, on Tuesday.
Officers said the packages of “white powder type substance” were “associated with the forthcoming UK general election”.
Two further packages were sent to the Scottish Police Federation building in Glasgow and to the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan in Fife yesterday.
A statement was issued to MSPS by Scottish Parliament security
chiefs yesterday in light of the incidents on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“All packages were associated with the forthcoming UK general election,” said Becky Hunter, of the parliament’s security team.
“Police Scotland’s inquiries into this matter are ongoing.”
A letter from Police Scotland has also been distributed to MSPS with some further advice regarding mail handling, suspicious packages and indicators of “white powder”.
The statement to MSPS added: “We would be grateful if you would take the time to review this information and discuss with your local office staff. The same information has been issued to all elected representatives.
“We aim to deliver a training session with Police Scotland colleagues on mail handling, suspicious packages and ‘white powder’ as soon as possible. We will provide you with further information on this shortly.”
The package sent to Mr Nicolson’s East Dunbartonshire constituency office “contained chemicals”, the MP said afterwards.
The incident in Forfar brought widespread disruption to the centre of the Angus town.
The emergency services were alerted to the situation shortly at 1:37pm on Wednesday after a suspicious package was delivered to the council premises.
A cordon was put in place around the building, while emergency services dealt with the incident.
Four fire appliances, a Heavy Rescue Unit and a specialist chemical unit were mobilised. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus later removed a package from the premises. Crews left the scene at 5:55pm, with the police cordon removed at the same time.