White powder alert that closed Belfast school deemed '˜not hazardous'

An alert sparked at a Belfast school by a mysterious white powder has ended with the substance deemed to be harmless.

Lagan College was closed on Wednesday afternoon as police investigated an envelope containing white powder on the premises.

The school was on lock-down for several hours while police carried out an initial investigation.

A PSNI statement said: “Police are attending an ongoing incident at Lagan College school in the Manse Road area of south-east Belfast.”

It is thought officers received a report that a package containing white powder had been received through the mail.

On Wednesday evening, Chief Inspector Lorraine Dobson said: “The powder has been tested and has been described as not-hazardous.

“I would like to thank the teachers and pupils at the school for their co-operation.

“I would also like to thank our colleagues in the Fire and Ambulance Service for their assistance.”

Police have now left the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

C/Insp Dobson added: “I would appeal to anyone who has information in relation to this incident to contact police at Lisburn on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 362 15/03/17.

“Alternatively if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”