Emergency response sparked by running route white powder

A “suspicious” white substance found on city pavements sparked a major emergency response – but turned out to be a flour product scattered for a running route.

A hazardous materials (hazmat) support unit was among five Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) appliances that went to the scene in the Shawlands area of Glasgow when the alarm was raised at about 2pm on Monday.

Stretches of the pavements on Tantallon Road and Bellwood Street were cordoned off while specialists investigated.

Children at Langside Primary School had to be let out class by class, with police and fire personnel standing by as the pavement outside the school was one of the areas cordoned off.

However parents were later told that the substance had posed no risk.

A message from the school to parents said: “Police and fire service took precautions to ensure everyone’s safety when a suspicious white powder was found on local pavements.

“They have confirmed there is and was no risk to the children as this was a flour-based product that had been put down for a running route.

“The road and pavements are now open again.”

Police Scotland said that investigations established that the substance was not harmful.

A force spokesman said: “Around 2pm on Monday police and emergency services attended Bellwood Street, Shawlands following the discovery of an unknown substance outside flats.

“As a precaution, a cordon was put in place along with a number of local road closures.

“Inquiries established the substance was not harmful and the closures and cordon have been lifted.”

An SFRS spokesman said: “We were requested at 1.59pm on Monday to assist our police partners at Bellwood Street, Shawlands.

“Operations Control mobilised five appliances to the scene and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”