Bomb disposal team carry out controlled explosion in Selkirk
Residents are being allowed to return home following discovery of suspicious package
Last updated 11th Apr 2024
People in Selkirk are being allowed to return to their homes after the discovery of a suspicious package led to them being evacuated.
A bomb disposal team was called out to a property in Kirk Wynd after the alarm was raised around 3.20pm yesterday (Wednesday), and surrounding streets were sealed off while a controlled explosion was carried out.
A local hotel offered to put some up for the night, while a rest centre offering warm drinks and shelter was set-up in a nearby hall.
But the police cordon was lifted shortly before 11pm.
Local councillor Caroline Cochrane was one of those forced to leave their homes. She told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's not what we expect on a Wednesday night, especially in a quiet wee place like Selkirk.
"But members of the public have just gotten on with it.
"People say this might be fake." But she added: "There is a protocol that police and others have to follow, and public safety is the priority here."
It's understood workers from Scottish Borders Housing Association discovered the suspicious item while clearing an attic.
Police say they are continuing to investigate and there is no wider risk to the public.
A spokesperson said: "The cordon has now been lifted around Kirk Wynd, Selkirk and residents are returning to their homes following the earlier discovery of a suspicious package.
"EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) attended and a controlled explosion was carried out. There were no injuries. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
"We’d like to thank the public for their patience while investigations were carried out and reassure them there is no wider risk."
It's understood around 300 people were evacuated from their homes for more than six hours.
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Housing Association said: “During a routine clear-out of an empty property in the Kirk Wynd area of Selkirk yesterday, our Team discovered a suspicious package and alerted police.
"We would like to thank our team members for their vigilance, and the emergency services for their swift response. We would also like to thank all those affected by the incident for their patience while the police worked to ensure everyone’s safety.”
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