Two colleges ‘locked down’ whereas emergency companies swarm as warning issued to oldsters
Emergency responders rushed to Blantyre Health Centre on Victoria Street in an incident that has led to measures being put into place at nearby Calderside Academy and Auchinraith Primary
An investigation is currently underway following the discovery of a suspicious object at a medical facility. Emergency responders rushed to Blantyre Health Centre on Victoria Street after the item was discovered on the premises at 9.30am on Thursday morning.
The facility and neighbouring buildings have been cleared as a precaution. It’s believed children at the adjacent Calderside Academy and Auchinraith Primary have been relocated to different sections of their schools as a safety measure.
Officers continue to maintain a presence at the location while the cordon remains in place during assessment of the object. Sources suggest explosive ordnance disposal experts have been summoned to the site, with members of the public urged to steer clear of the vicinity.
Writing on Facebook, local Labour Councillor for the Blantyre ward, Mo Razzaq, said: “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.”, reports the Daily Record.
“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. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland stated: “Around 9.30am on Thursday, 23 April, 2026 police were called to a premises on Victoria Street in Blantyre 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 should avoid the area.”
A representative from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 9.36am on Thursday, 23 April, to an incident at a building on Victoria Street in Blantyre. Crews remain in attendance.”
A South Lanarkshire Council spokesperson 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.”
