Streets in Banff evacuated as bomb squad called in

Bomb squad officers and police have been called in after an alert in the town of Banff

Streets have been evacuated in the Aberdeenshire town of Banff while bomb disposal experts examine materials discovered in a local property.

Police were called to the Low Shore area following concerns raised by a member of the public.

About 40 homes on Carmelite Street, Reid Street, Bridge Street, Church Street, Water Lane, Crown Court and Old Market Place have been cleared.

BBC Scotland understands it is not a terrorism related incident

Grampian Police said more than 50 officers have been assisting residents from their homes

Officers said there had been been no injuries and a 100m cordon has been set up around the site.

Building work has been taking place in the area.

Residents affected by the evacuation are being offered a place at a reception centre at Banff Academy.

Ch Insp Derek Hiley said: "It is important to emphasise that there have been no injuries as a result of this incident and that Grampian Police is carrying out this controlled evacuation of the surrounding area as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued safety of the wider public."