A man and a woman have been arrested following an almost three-and-a-half-year counter terrorism investigation into the discovery of a suspicious device left in Edinburgh.
The package in Princes Street Gardens was found by a council park ranger on January 11, 2018, before police shut down the scene.
Police have now confirmed a 35-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the device.
The arrests follow an investigation by the force’s counter terrorism unit in partnership with European law enforcement agencies.
STV NewsAn area around the Broughton Rugby Club and Wardie playing fields next to Wardie Primary School was closed off by officers carrying out a “pre-planned and intelligence-led” operation.
Another operation was also conducted at King George IV Bridge. Police Scotland said there is no wider risk to the community.
Wardie Primary School sent text messages to parents to warn them to make use of the main entrance as the gate through the car park was closed off while police cordon off the area.
Detective chief superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s head of organised crime and counter terrorism said: “Since the discovery of the item, officers from Police Scotland’s Counter Terrorism Unit have carried out extensive enquiries, including with European partners and law enforcement agencies.
“They have been absolutely committed to this protracted and challenging inquiry to identify those believed to be responsible. This has resulted in the arrest of two people today.”
Chief superintendent Sean Scott, Police Scotland’s divisional commander for Edinburgh, added: “Enquiries by Police Scotland are ongoing and I want to reassure the public that the activity in Granton Road and on King George IV Bridge was pre-planned and intelligence-led.
“You will see an increased police presence, however, there is no wider risk to the community.”
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