Two arrests over 'suspicious package' found in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens in 2018
Police sealed off the park three and a half years ago
Police investigating the discovery of a suspicious package in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens three and a half years ago have arrested a man and a woman.
Officers were called to a report of the item on Thursday, January 11 2018 and experts found it had the potential to harm people.
At the time, the area around the popular park was sealed off, with a controlled explosion carried out.
Today Police Scotland said that a 35-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the package.
The force has described the case as 'protracted and challenging' - and followed work with colleagues in Europe.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland's Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: "Since the discovery of the item, officers from Police Scotland's Counter Terrorism Unit have carried out extensive inquiries, including with European partners and law enforcement agencies.
"They have been absolutely committed to this protracted and challenging inquiry to identify those believed to be responsible. This has resulted in the arrest of two people today."
Police said there is no risk to the wider community following the investigation.
Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Police Scotland's Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: "Inquiries by Police Scotland are ongoing and I want to re-assure the public that the activity in Granton Road and on King George IV Bridge was pre-planned and intelligence-led.
"You will see an increased police presence, however, there is no wider risk to the community."