Drama after mystery piles of powder found in streets

Published on Friday 4 March 2011 22:14

A MAJOR emergency service operation was launched last night after eight mystery piles of powder were discovered in the streets of Dalry.

Dozens of firefighters, police officers and paramedics were called to Caledonian Crescent, at the junction with Orwell Place, at around 6pm after a member of the public reported the small piles of white powder scattered on pavements.

A sample of the powder was removed and tested at the scene by a scientific advisor, who later confirmed that the substance was not hazardous.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said: "The scientific advisor was unable to identify what the powder was, but was able to deem it safe and not toxic or chemical in terms of causing any concern.

"The advice was to keep two pumps at the scene and cleanse the pavements with the hoses."

She added that follow-up tests may be carried out at a later stage to determine exactly what the powder was. It is also unclear how the substance ended up there.

A cordon was erected around each of the piles of powder, with firefighters standing guard at each one. One pile of powder was in the shape of the letter F.

There were unconfirmed reports that the powder may have been rat poison, with a member of staff from the Scottish SPCA also attending the scene.

Dozens of shocked residents and passers-by looked on as the drama unfolded.

Marketing student Chris Aldridge, 23, who is in his final year at Heriot-Watt University and lives in Caledonian Road, said: "I've never seen anything like this in my life.

"I started hearing sirens so I looked out my window and saw a lot of people going past. I went out to have a look. I was told by the fire brigade that if they moved the barrier further along, I might not get back into my flat."

Group manager for the fire service, Tom McGrath, said: "For the safety of the general public, we closed the immediate roads in conjunction with the police to protect the public from the area."

Most of Dalry Road was closed, with Caledonian Place, Caledonian Road, Orwell Terrace and Caledonian Crescent also cordoned off. The cordons were lifted at around 10pm.

Inspector Paul McDonald, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "The closure of Dalry Road was more of a practical measure to allow us to gain easy access for the fire service and the ambulance service, so that in the event of us having to escalate the situation, it would be easier."

A spokeswoman for the fire service added: "It does seem a high-level response but it was a public safety first approach."