Langside Primary School: Major emergency sparked after 'suspicious' white powder found on pavements in Scotland

A major emergency response was called yesterday (Monday 20 November) after a “suspicious” white substance was found on pavements. A hazardous materials (hazmat) support unit was among five Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) appliances that went to the scene in the Shawlands area of Glasgow when the alarm was raised at about 2pm.

Stretches of the pavements on Tantallon Road and Bellwood Street were cordoned off while specialists investigated. Children at a primary school nearby, Langside Primary School, had to be led out of their classes at the end of the day while police and fire personnel stood on the pavements outside the school, near the cordoned off area. 

Later Police Scotland confirmed that investigations established that the substance was not harmful. Parents from the nearby primary school received a text saying the substance was a "flour based product" which had been put down for a running route. 

The text said: "Sorry for the disruption to today's dismissal. Police and fire service took precautions to ensure everyone's safety when a suspicious white powder was found on local pavements. They have confirmed there is and was no risk to the children as this was a flour-based product that had been put down for a running route. The road and pavements are now open again."

A force spokesman said: “Around 2pm on Monday police and emergency services attended Bellwood Street, Shawlands following the discovery of an unknown substance outside flats. As a precaution, a cordon was put in place along with a number of local road closures. Inquiries established the substance was not harmful and the closures and cordon have been lifted." An SFRS spokesman added that Operations Control “mobilised five appliances to the scene and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”