Bomb squad explosion takes place at mosque after 'suspicious bags' found inside

03 January 2023 , 18:36

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Bomb squad explosion takes place at mosque after 'suspicious bags' found inside

Footage shows a large bang coming from a mosque building at the centre of a huge emergency services operation after 'suspicious bags' were found.

A video recorded by an eye-witness at the scene captured the moment an explosion was heard coming from the Edinburgh Central Mosque building.

The area was earlier closed off by police after officers were called at around 9.30am.

A loud bang was heard from inside the building around 3.15pm, Edinburgh Live reports. Just over three hours later, the mosque confirmed it had been given the all-clear to reopen.

Witnesses heard an explosion from Edinburgh Central Mosque (Duncan McGlynn)

Police confirmed that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) bomb team had been called.

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Ambulance and fire crews were also at the scene.

It is unclear what the suspicious items were, but at around 6pm cordons were lifted and bus routes reinstated.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said earlier: “Police were called to a report of a suspicious item found within a mosque on Potterrow, Edinburgh.

"A cordon has been put in place as a precaution and the EOD are in attendance.”

The building was closed after police were called this morning (Duncan McGlynn)

A statement from the Edinburgh Central Mosque has confirmed that they have been given the all-clear to re-open at 6.30pm.

After a police cordon in the area was lifted following a controlled explosion earlier in the day, they have been given the green light to resume normal service.

A statement read: "Update: We are pleased to announce that the Mosque will reopen at 6:30 pm tonight and Ishaa Jamaat will be held as normal at 7:00 pm."

Earlier mosque leaders said: “Edinburgh Central Mosque will be closed today for the next few hours and until further notice.

"This is due to a couple of bags that we discovered inside the premises early this morning.

"The Police have been notified about the bags and following a review of CCTV they have advised that we evacuate the building and stop any activities until they have removed the bags.

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Kris Gourlay