Bomb squad locks down mosque as area evacuated over 'suspicious bags'

1138     0
Bomb squad locks down mosque as area evacuated over 'suspicious bags'
Bomb squad locks down mosque as area evacuated over 'suspicious bags'

A BOMB squad has been scrambled to a mosque as an area was evacuated over 'suspicious bags'.

Images from the scene show explosive disposal units in attendance in Edinburgh, Scotland while Edinburgh Central Mosque confirmed it would be closed until further notice.

The bomb squad was scrambled to the area following the alert eiqrtidzdiqkqprw
The bomb squad was scrambled to the area following the alertCredit: Duncan McGlynn
Officers swooped on an area of Edinburgh
Officers swooped on an area of EdinburghCredit: Duncan McGlynn
The mosque announced it would be closed until safe to re-open
The mosque announced it would be closed until safe to re-openCredit: Duncan McGlynn

Nicolson Square has been sealed off to both traffic and pedestrians.

Officers can be seen standing guard outside the mosque.

A statement from the mosque read: "We will be closed today for the next few hours and until further notice.

Spectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three yearsSpectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three years

"This is due to a couple of bags that we discovered inside the premises early this morning.

"The police have been notified about the bags and following a review of CCTV, they have advised that we evacuate the building and stop any activities until they have removed the bags.

"We do not know at this moment how long the process could take, however, will post another update as soon as the bags have been removed and the police have concluded that it is safe to reopen the building."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police were called to a report of a suspicious item found within a Mosque on Potterrow, Edinburgh.

"A cordon has been put in place as a precaution and the EOD are in attendance.”

Lothian Buses confirmed that services 2 and 47 have been diverted via Chambers Street and Nicolson Street in both directions until further notice.

Zoe Phillips

Scotland, Edinburgh, Police, Crime

Read more similar news:

01.01.2023, 10:07 • World News
Disgusted shoppers slam supermarket after spotting turkey two weeks out of date
01.01.2023, 15:14 • World News
Edinburgh Hogmanay revellers stuck in queues for TWO HOURS in torrential rain
03.01.2023, 12:48 • Tech
I'm 22 and find dating horrific - so I'm asking experts to pick a husband for me
03.01.2023, 16:39 • Tech
Map shows UK's most-fined postcodes for parking, specific street cost £1m a year
07.01.2023, 00:01 • Lifestyle
The best Scotland activities from £2.50pp for a cheap 2023 holiday
10.01.2023, 07:25 • UK News
I won lottery but wish I never did - I've been bombarded with death threats
10.01.2023, 18:02 • UK News
My neighbour's fire alarm has been going off for TWO DAYS - I'm exhausted
15.01.2023, 14:07 • Showbiz
Inside Scotland's biggest Wetherspoons with 74 taps and breathtaking surroundings
16.01.2023, 14:52 • Crime
Ex-teacher branded 'Jimmy Savile 2' over 'abuse' at Scots school named by MP
04.02.2023, 22:13 • Crime
Trans rapist Isla Bryson makes prison friendship with another evil sex fiend