A man has been charged after a mystery package was sent to a Fraserburgh launderette, prompting a police lockdown.
Emergency services were called to Paddy’s Suds launderette on Frithside Street following reports someone had taken an “adverse reaction” to a substance contained in the package.
Police, firefighters and ambulance crews attended the scene at noon and immediately cordoned off the area.
Fire crews wearing special contamination suits could be seen working, while an inflatable yellow tent was erected.
One person received medical treatment at the scene.
But last night, police revealed a 64-year-old man has been reported to the procurator fiscal for allegedly wasting police time.
In total, four streets in Fraserburgh were closed as a result of the incident and ambulances, police cars, and fire engines lined Frithside Street, School Street and Lodge Walk.
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Last night, fire service chief inspector Rob Sturton said although they quickly established there was no danger to the public, they could not afford to take any chances.
He said: “Any call of this nature must be taken seriously by emergency services from the outset, especially when an unknown and potentially harmful substance could be involved.
“Precautionary measures were put in place by all partners in accordance with established protocol and we managed to quickly establish there was no threat to the public.
“I would like to thank the local community for it cooperation whilst this incident was dealt with – your patience is appreciated.”
One shopkeeper, whose premises look directly on to Frithside Street, said the emergency services were everywhere when she arrived for her shift.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “I just started work and it was all ongoing.
“There was a lot of commotion and you could tell that something serious had happened.”
Speaking at the scene yesterday, Fraserburgh inspector Kevin Goldie said a package had been sent to the business.
He said: “An item was delivered to the address and the recipient reacted to it.”
Inspector Goldie confirmed a man had been caught up in the incident, but he was “OK”.
Earlier in the day a force spokeswoman said a person had suffered an “adverse reaction” to the substance.
She said: ““We were called at noon to attend after a member of the public suffered an adverse reaction to a substance in a package.”
Last night, Fraserburgh councillor Brian Topping said the incident was “concerning” for people in the town.
