A busy Saturday afternoon in Glasgow city centre was thrown into chaos as a major emergency operation descended upon the popular JD Sports store on Argyle Street. The alarm was raised after a member of staff discovered a mysterious white powder, prompting immediate fears for public safety.
Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and specialist ambulance crews rushed to the scene just after 3:30 PM. The building was swiftly evacuated, with concerned shoppers and staff ushered to a safe distance as cordons were put in place.
Specialist HAZMAT Teams Deployed
The discovery triggered a significant multi-agency response. Specialist Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) officers were pictured in full protective gear entering the store to assess the substance. A heavy police presence remained on Argyle Street, a main shopping thoroughfare, for several hours, causing significant disruption.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed their attendance, stating: "We were called to reports of a substance found within a commercial property. Operations Control mobilised a number of resources to the scene, including specialist officers."
Store Closure and Ongoing Investigation
The JD Sports branch remained closed for the rest of the day while emergency services conducted their investigations. Forensic teams worked to identify the powder, which was later removed for analysis.
While the substance was treated as potentially hazardous as a precaution, there have been no reports of any injuries to members of the public or emergency service personnel. A Police Scotland spokesperson said enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The swift action of the emergency services ensured the situation was contained quickly, averting potential danger on one of the busiest shopping days of the week.
