Police look into oil rig flare allegations

Police are investigating after a gun was used to relight the flare on a North Sea platform.

Oil giant Total said it is working with authorities to clarify a “firearms licencing matter” following the incident on the Elgin platform on Boxing Day.

The platform was shut down during repairs to the Forties Pipeline in December.

As part of the restart process, Total relit the flare. But due to a fault with the automated system for lighting the flare a modified gun that fires magnesium cartridges was used.

An investigation is now under way to establish if the person who fired the gun had a firearms licence.

Total said no-one was at risk as all personnel were inside the platform and all work had been suspended.

Chief Inspector Audrey Marsh said: “We received a report highlighting concerns about the use of licensed firearms on the Elgin oil platform.

“An inquiry has commenced with the oil company Total and key partner agencies to establish the full circumstances.”

The Elgin platform is located 149 miles east of Aberdeen.

A Total spokesman said:“the operation was carried out safely. We are working with the authorities to clarify a firearms licencing matter.”