Emergency services were called to a Birmingham street after a city Reform UK councillor reported receiving a package suspected to contain asbestos.
Longbridge and West Heath councillor Dr Charlie Latchford sounded the alarm on Thursday, stating that the parcel had been "deliberately packaged in a way that would cause maximum exposure to whoever opened it".
Councillor's account of the incident
The deputy leader of the city council's Reform UK group revealed he was "stripped, isolated outside, and my road had to be quarantined", reports Birmingham Live. Councillor Latchford vowed that the "package will be traced" and stressed that "no disagreement, difference of opinion, political or personal grievance justifies deliberately putting someone's health or life at risk".
In a social media post last night, Councillor Latchford wrote: "I wouldn't normally post about something this personal, but the current climate is becoming increasingly disturbing.
"This evening, I received a package containing suspected asbestos, deliberately packaged in a way that would cause maximum exposure to whoever opened it.
"I'm grateful to the Fire Service and West Midlands Police for removing it and treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves under Operation Ford, and for arranging an ambulance.
"I have been stripped, isolated outside and my road had to be quarantined. This package will be traced.
"Let's be absolutely clear: no disagreement, no difference of opinion and no political or personal grievance justifies deliberately putting someone's health or life at risk."
Response and investigation
The Fire Service and West Midlands Police removed the package and treated the matter under Operation Ford, according to the councillor. An ambulance was also arranged.
The incident is being treated with the seriousness it deserves, and the package is expected to be traced as part of the investigation.
