MORAY MP ANGUS ROBERTSON has condemned the ‘bizarre’ attempt to sow concern in a Moray community this week.
The MP, who is deputy leader of the SNP and a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee that oversees the UK intelligence services was commenting on the letter and substance package sent to a Keith pub on Thursday.
Police are continuing their own investigations after a terror alert had been sparked with units from all emergency services rushing to the scene.
Today the man in charge of the probe, Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Walker, said: “Following extensive inquiries alongside our partners, we can confirm that the substance recovered was not hazardous or harmful in any way. As per protocol, and with the public’s safety our main priority, an extensive multi-agency response was launched to identity what it was and to ensure the scene was safe.
“Once again I would like to stress that no one was injured nor was there any threat to the public’s safety at any point. I would also like to thank the local community for their patience while this was dealt with.
“Inquiries are ongoing to establish who sent this substance and why. It goes without saying that incidents of this nature are extremely rare in this area and we are liaising with the relevant specialists and authorities as part of our investigation.
“Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.”
Mr Robertson said of the incident: “I utterly condemn this bizarre attempt to sow alarm and concern in the community and appealed for anyone with any information to contact the police.
“The letter is an amateurish attempt to smear pro-Europeans and the SNP and will be condemned by people of all mainstream political persuasions. In the week when the police and security agencies have had to deal with serious terrorist attack on Westminster it is totally irresponsible for anyone to send a hoax letter, taking up the valuable time and resources of the emergency services.
“At a time when threats to parliamentarians are sadly on the rise I want to assure constituents that I will not be deterred from doing my job by bullies and extremists.”