Suspicious package left in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens ‘had the potential to cause injury’

POLICE investigating a suspicious package left in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens nearly six weeks ago have issued a fresh appeal for information after revealing that it was more than just an elaborate hoax.

Detectives are urging anyone with information or who witnessed anything suspicious in the Gardens on Thursday, January 11 to come forward.

Officers are also appealing for anyone with mobile phone/camera footage taken in or around the Gardens on that day to contact police.

An initial assessment of the package suggested it was a hoax, however police say that further forensic examination has now confirmed the contents had the potential to cause injury to people and damage to property within close proximity of it.

No further details about its contents or capability have been revealed by Police Scotland as investigations continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Armstrong, Specialist Crime Division, said: “It has been almost six weeks since this suspicious package was left within a shelter at Princes Street Gardens and I’m hoping that this further public appeal will encourage people with information – no matter how small – to come forward.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the immediate vicinity of the Gardens or who has information as to who may be responsible.

“I have more than a dozen detectives in the area of West Princes Street Gardens today and would ask anyone with any relevant information to share this with them.”

Detectives have already examined around 800 hours of CCTV footage and interviewed a number of people who were in the Gardens on January 11.

Police sealed off the area after the package was found, before bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled detonation several hours laters.

Local Policing Chief Inspector David Robertson urged the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.

Chief Insp Robertson added: “Public safety remains our priority and I would urge people to remain vigilant, be alert not alarmed, and to report anything suspicious to police.”

“We continue to police the many city centre events appropriately and are committed to working in partnership to ensure Edinburgh remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 1204 of the 21st February.

Members of the public wishing to send any images or footage to assist with the investigation can email OPERATIONALEXANDRA@scotland.pnn.police.uk. Anonymous reports can also be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.