Northern Ireland

White powder sent to Belfast school 'not hazardous'

Police help escort pupils from Lagan College at the end of the school day following a security alert. Picture by Mal McCann
Police help escort pupils from Lagan College at the end of the school day following a security alert. Picture by Mal McCann Police help escort pupils from Lagan College at the end of the school day following a security alert. Picture by Mal McCann

WHITE powder posted to a Belfast school, sparking a security alert yesterday, was "not hazardous" police said.

The alert at Lagan College on Manse Road began at around midday after the envelope was received by the school.

Access to the school was closed for several hours as police investigated the find. Fire and ambulance crews also attended.

Pupils were kept away from part of the school site but were able to continue their classes.

The school contacted parents via text message to tell them that the investigation was taking place at "the front of the school site".

Officers helped escort pupils out of the college at the end of the school day at 3.45pm.

The PSNI later said the powder was not hazardous.

Chief Inspector Lorraine Dobson said police left the scene yesterday evening.

"I would like to thank the teachers and pupils at the school for their co-operation," she said.

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

She appealed to anyone with information to contact police on 101.