Suspicious package detonated at University of Glasgow

A controlled explosion has been carried out on a suspicious package which was found in the mailroom at the University of Glasgow.

Several university buildings were evacuated and nearby roads closed after the discovery on Wednesday morning.

Police Scotland also said they have been liaising with the Metropolitan Police in relation to their investigation into explosive packages received in London on Tuesday.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “Police Scotland officers are continuing inquiries after a suspicious package was received at the University of Glasgow.

“The package was not opened and no-one was injured. The emergency services were alerted and several buildings within the estate were evacuated as a precaution.

“A controlled explosion of the device was carried out by EOD (explosives ordnance disposal).”

A number of police cordons in and around University Avenue will be in place until further notice, he added.

Mr Johnson said: “There is no ongoing risk to the public. Police Scotland is liaising with the Metropolitan Police in relation to their investigation into packages received in London.

“However, it is too early to say whether there is a link.”

A statement from Glasgow University said: “Minor restrictions will remain in place around the Isabella Elder building and Botany Gate while the mailroom will remain closed for now. All other buildings are being reopened.

“Colleagues and students who are concerned about having left property in any of the evacuated buildings and have subsequent issues are advised that a temporary lost property room is being set up in the Boyd Orr building.

“We apologise to all staff and students who have suffered disruption and thank everyone for their patience and understanding as police dealt with this incident.”

Counter-terror police are still working to identify a motive or suspect over the explosive packages sent to major transport hubs in London.

The packages that arrived at Waterloo railway station and offices at Heathrow and London City airports on Tuesday were posted with Irish stamps and had Dublin as the return address.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters in Edinburgh were evacuated after what was thought to have been a suspicious package was received.

However, police confirmed the package “posed no risk to the public and contained promotional goods”.