Post office evacuated over ‘smoking parcel sent to FM’

The post office in Edinburgh was evacuated after smoke was seen coming from the parcel on Saturday morning.

15th Nov 2020

A post office in Edinburgh had to be evacuated after smoke was seen coming from a suspicious package reportedly addressed to the First Minister.

Police and bomb disposal experts attended the Royal Mail sorting office on Cutlins Road in Edinburgh at around 10.25am on Saturday after the device ‘started to smoke’.

Workers were forced to leave the building which wasn’t reopened until later that day once the parcel had been safely removed from the premises.

Several outlets are reporting that it was addressed to the Nicola Sturgeon, however police are yet to confirm this.

Chief Inspector Gill Geany said: “We were called around 10.25am on Saturday, 14 November, to a report of a suspicious package at a sorting office in Cultins Road, Edinburgh.

“Officers attended along with colleagues from the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, supported by the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

“The building was partially evacuated as a precaution and later re-opened once EOD removed the package.

“Enquiries into this are ongoing.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Royal Mail can confirm that a suspect package was found at Edinburgh Mail Centre on Saturday 14th November.

“The safety of our people is of the utmost priority and in line with our policy and procedures, emergency services were called.

“Anyone with any information should contact local police and anyone worried about mail should contact our customer services on 03457 740 740.”

The Scottish government will not be commenting on the matter.