Cops arrest man after 'suspicious device' found in Motherwell polling station leads to bomb squad call out

A 48-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the 'suspicious device' has been found at a Motherwell polling station leading to a late-night evacuation.

Officers responded to reports of the device on the ground floor of Glen Tower flats, Motherwell around 1am on Thursday, 12 December, 2019.

A cordon was placed around the building and residents within the cordon were evacuated.

Police liaised with Explosive Ordnance Device staff to examine the item and a controlled explosion was carried out as a precaution.

Bomb squad called to Glen Tower in Motherwell after suspicious package found (ugc)

It was to found to be a "non-viable device" and residents were allowed back into the building.

North Lanarkshire Council have instructed those who were to vote at Glen Tower to instead go to Knowetop Primary School, Knowetop Avenue, Motherwell.

Chief Inspector Mark Leonard said: “Police in Motherwell have arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with a suspicious device found on the ground floor of Glen Tower flats, Motherwell around 1am on Thursday, 12 December, 2019.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”