Queen's Holyrood palace on lockdown: Police launch investigation over security alert
THE Queen’s Scottish palace was on lockdown over fears a suspicious letter had been sent to the Palace of Holyrood in Edinburgh sparking a police investigation.
The Queen's Scottish palace is on lockdown
Firefighters, police and the ambulance service were called to the palace which was cordoned off from the public.
Holyrood Palace staff were warned access to offices may be restricted as police investigated the letter shortly after midday.
At least three fire engines and a support unit were seen entering the palace grounds.
An investigation is now underway to identify the sender and establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident
Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the incident after officers analysed the letter.
In a statement, the force said: “We can confirm that the suspicious letter that was delivered to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Wednesday 7th June has been analysed and found not to pose any risk to the public.
“An investigation is now underway to identify the sender and establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Half the Scottish fire service seems to have rocked up at Holyrood palace. Her Maj must have burned her toast pic.twitter.com/fcOYgGmoYG
— Philip Sim (@BBCPhilipSim) June 7, 2017
Six fire engines and several support units now at Holyrood palace, paramedic unit also in attendance. Cordon being set up pic.twitter.com/m4lbxHI79N
— Philip Sim (@BBCPhilipSim) June 7, 2017
Her Majesty is at Buckingham Palace in London today.
No other members of the Royal Family are thought to be at Holyrood Palace today.
The Queen and Prince Philip are expected to host a garden party at Holyrood Palace next month.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh
The Queen’s Scottish residence stands at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Over the road the Scottish Parliament building, also known as Holyrood, remained open.
Police are due to step up security in Scotland this weekend with large numbers of people expected in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
A full-scale operation is underway to police several major events over the next few days including the General Election, Scotland v England World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park and a Robbie Williams concert in Edinburgh.