Suspicious item at Seafield recycling centre was found by worker emptying clothes bin, as bomb disposal team carries out inspection

A suspicious object being investigated by a bomb disposal unit at Seafield recycling centre was discovered by a worker as they emptied a black bin bag full of clothes.

The item, pictured, is thought to have been discovered at the facility around 10am this morning and sparked a police response and evacuation.

Pictures from the scene show a bomb disposal expert inspecting the object and a police car could be seen parked outside the site entrance. Seafield Road has also been cordoned off between Fillyside Road and Craigentinny Avenue North due to the ongoing incident.

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A sub-contractor who empties green bins at the recycling centre said they were emptying a black bin bag full of clothes when they noticed it spill out and hit the ground. One of the workers said they saw “sparks coming out of it.” After alerting managers, police were called to the scene.

A member of the bomb disposal unit inspects the object. Pictures: Supplied/ Andy O'BrienA member of the bomb disposal unit inspects the object. Pictures: Supplied/ Andy O'Brien
A member of the bomb disposal unit inspects the object. Pictures: Supplied/ Andy O'Brien

A police spokesperson said that a cordon has been put in place while specialist teams assess the object.

The Edinburgh Travel News Twitter account, run by members of the council’s roads team, said Seafield Road had been closed in both directions between Fillyside Road and Craigentinny Avenue North due to the ongoing incident. As a result, traffic was heavier on Seafield Road East, Restalrig Road, Craigentinny Avenue and Lochend Road.

An update has since been shared by Edinburgh Travel News to say the road reopened around 2.40pm.

The local authority has now also confirmed that the recycling centre will open as normal on Friday for booked appointments.

An image of the device found at the recycling plant.An image of the device found at the recycling plant.
An image of the device found at the recycling plant.

Earlier today, council leader Adam McVey said: “Seafield HWRC (household waste recycling centre) is currently closed due to an ongoing incident and the need to ensure the safety of site users and our own staff.

"We’re working with Police Scotland and will provide updates on our social media channels as soon as possible. Customers who had appointments booked are being contacted directly to allow them to arrange new appointments.”

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