Residents evacuated after bomb squad called to property in town

Bomb disposal experts have been called to a property in a fishing town in Aberdeenshire.

A member of the public raised the alarm on Friday afternoon and police are currently evacuating residents from the Low Shore area of Banff.

A spokesman for Grampian Police said: “Grampian Police can confirm that officers are attending at an address in the Low Shore area of Banff following concerns raised by a member of the public.

“Officers have been carrying out investigations at the scene and have called in the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) as a precaution, following the discovery of materials.

“There have been no injuries as a result of this incident, however, Grampian Police is now carrying out a controlled evacuation of the surrounding area as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued safety of the wider public.”

The affected streets are Carmelite Street, Reid Street, Bridge Street, Church Street, Water Lane, Crown Court and Old Market Place.

Residents affected by the evacuation are being offered a place at a reception centre at Banff Academy.

Chief inspector Derek Hiley said: "We would like to reassure members of the Banff community that officers are taking these initial steps as a precaution whilst the EOD attend to assist with the management of materials found within a property.

"Arrangements have been made in conjunction with Aberdeenshire Council for a reception centre to be set up at the local school and all residents affected by the 100m cordon have been offered a place.

"It is important to emphasise that there have been no injuries as a result of this incident and that Grampian Police is carrying out this controlled evacuation of the surrounding area as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued safety of the wider public."

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