A man has been arrested after the bomb squad were called to a street in Aberdeen in response to concerns about “unidentified items” left outside a petrol station.
The Tesco supermarket and Bobbin pub were evacuated on Saturday night as the emergency services were called to King Street and sealed off a stretch of the road.
People who live at the scene were told to remain in their homes – and to stay towards the back of their properties.
The street was shut between University Road and Linksfield road until it reopened at 5am.
Police later confirmed that a 26-year-old man had been arrested following the emergency.
Officers said there was no immediate risk to the wider public.
Police went around homes in the area on Saturday night, warning residents to get to the backs of their properties for “safety purposes”.
Families said the emergency services could be seen on Saturday night just outside of the shop and petrol station, which was cordoned off.
The nearby Bobbin pub, which is popular with students, was evacuated amid the drama.
One woman who lives across the road from the Tesco said she was woken up by a police officer knocking on her door at around 11.30pm.
She said: “We woke up and I had no idea what was going on, and after speaking to the police officer we saw the flashing lights everywhere, the whole road was cordoned off.”
Another resident said he realised something was amiss when he went to Tesco for some food, and found it had been taped off.
He said when he went out of his property later at about 2am, police were still in attendance.
He added: “King Street is a really safe area, so it was a bit of a scare.”
Inquiries are now ongoing to determine the exact nature of the items recovered, and police are working alongside “specialist partner agencies” as part of the investigation.
Darren Bruce, chief inspector for the north-east, said: “This incident was contained to one property and there was no immediate risk to the wider public.
“A police presence is likely to remain in the area over coming days, and I am grateful for the continuing support and understanding of the local community while our inquiries continue.”
