Bomb crews swarm health centre and two nearby schools as dozens evacuated from homes

Ed Griffiths
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:15:06 +0000

Bomb crews have swarmed a health centre and two nearby schools, with dozens evacuated from their homes in a Scottish town near Glasgow.

Emergency services, including a bomb disposal unit, are currently attending an ongoing incident in Blantyre following the discovery of a suspicious item on the grounds of the health centre.

Officers were called to the scene around 9.30am this morning, with the fire service receiving an alert shortly after.

Victoria Street has been closed to the public, and homes on the road and Handibode Gardens were evacuated at 10am this morning.

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Police Scotland provided a statement confirming a suspicious item has been found.

"Around 9.30am on Thursday, April 23, 2026, police were called to Blantyre Health Centre on Victoria Street following the discovery of a suspicious item within the grounds.

"The building and surrounding premises have been evacuated as a precaution and a cordon is in place to ensure the safety of the public while the item is assessed.

"Emergency services remain at the scene and the public are asked to avoid the area."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also provided a statement: "We were alerted at 9.36am on Thursday, April 24, to an incident at a building on Victoria Street in Blantyre.

"Crews remain in attendance."

A South Lanarkshire Council spokesman said: "Precautionary measures were taken as soon as we were made aware of an incident in the local area.

"All pupils at both affected schools are safe and accounted for. Police Scotland are leading on this incident and we will continue to assist them in any way we can."

Mo Razzaq, a Blantyre Councillor, said: "To all parents and guardians, I have been made aware that pupils at Calderside Academy and Auchinraith Primary have been asked to move to another area within their school buildings.

"I want to reassure you that there is absolutely no danger to your child. This is a precautionary measure following an incident in the nearby area, which is currently being dealt with by Police Scotland.

"All actions are in line with police advice and procedure, and both schools are responding appropriately. Please do not be alarmed - your child is safe, and the schools are acting responsibly in line with the guidance they have received.

"I would ask that parents leave this with the school to deal with at this time. The schools are best placed to manage the situation, and any unnecessary contact may hinder their ability to do so effectively. Further updates will be provided to parents once the situation has been resolved."

NHS Lanarkshire have released a statement: "Blantyre Health Centre is currently closed due to an ongoing incident.

"We are asking patients due to attend the centre not to turn up until further notice.

"We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience this may cause and thank the public for their patience and understanding.

"An update will be provided as soon as possible."