LISTEN: Police say mystery substance in Keith was not harmful
A white powder was sent to a Moray pub, causing a major incident.
Last updated 24th Mar 2017
A mysterious white powder, sparking a major incident at Keith's Reidhaven Square, has been found to be not harmful.
The emergency operation - involving Police and around half-a-dozen fire engines - saw the centre of the town cordoned off, but at no point was there any threat to the public.
The powder was found on Thursday afternoon in a letter sent to the Crown Inn.
The operation lasted several hours with police and fire crews examining the scene, before leaving at 9:30pm.
At the time of the incident, MFR reporter Bryan Rutherford spoke to Sally Morrison, owner of Shears Hair & Beauty Retreat:
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Walker said: "Following extensive inquiries alongside our partners, we can confirm that the substance recovered was not hazardous or harmful in any way"
"Once again I would like to stress that no one was injured nor was there any threat to the public's safety at any point. I would also like to thank the local community for their patience while this was dealt with."
He added: "Inquiries are ongoing to establish who sent this substance and why. It goes without saying that incidents of this nature are extremely rare in this area and we are liaising with the relevant specialists and authorities as part of our investigation"
Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.