EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 16: Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Benedict XVI leave the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland, on September 16, 2010 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Pope Benedict XVI is conducting the first state visit to the UK by a Pontiff. During the four day visit Pope Benedict will celebrate mass, conduct a prayer vigil as well as beatify Cardinal Newman at an open air mass in Cofton Park. His Holiness will meet The Queen as well as political and religious representatives. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Emergency services have swooped on the Palace of Holyrood in Scotland after a “suspicious letter” was sent. It is reported the package that was delivered contained white powder along with a note.
Holyrood on lockdown: Queen's Scottish palace cordoned off as police surround building: https://t.co/2F2K7RaFc4 pic.twitter.com/6tLScFegFV
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) June 7, 2017
What’s Happening?
According to The Sun: “It was a letter that was sent and when opened a note and white powder was discovered.
“Due to the current alert it’s feared the white powder is some sort of harmful chemical.
“A full response has been initiated until it’s known exactly what the powder is.”
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
Ambulance and fire crews responded to the popular tourist destination in the heart of the capital of Edinburg.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police in Edinburgh were called to the Palace of Holyrood House around 12.05pm after reports were received that a suspicious letter had been delivered.
“Emergency services are in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.”
Tourists have taken to social media to report the incident, but have said there has not been an evacuation.
Fire crews have been sent to the Palace of Holyrood House after a suspicious letter was sent there. pic.twitter.com/tJF5UpfSME
— Hope Webb (@imhopewebb) June 7, 2017
The Palace of Holyrood
The Palace of Holyrood is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland.
The Queen spends one week in reisdence at Holyrood Palace at the beginning of each Summer where she carried out engagements and ceremonies.
It is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, and is on the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle.
The Queen is reported to still be in residence at Buckingham Palace in London today.
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
