Five police officers have been taken to hospital after coming into contact with a ‘hazardous substance’ in Aberdeen.
Police Scotland have confirmed the officers were potentially exposed to asbestos during a routine search in the Blaikies Quay area at around 8.50pm on Friday.
An area around the Quarterdeck bar has been cordoned off with what appears to be a decontamination tent in operation outside.
The fire and ambulance services are also assisting.
Police Scotland have released a statement on the incident:
It states: “Police Scotland in Aberdeen can confirm that at around 8.50pm today (Friday June 2, 2017), following a routine search warrant operation in the Blaikies Quay area of the harbour, five police officers have potentially come into contact with the hazardous material, asbestos.
“Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance providing specialist assistance with the matter and the five police officers will be taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for further assessment.
“The property in question has been secured and no other members of the police service or the public have been affected.
“There is no wider threat to the local community and the public are thanked for their patience whilst emergency services deal with the incident. ”
Asbestos is a highly toxic substance and is a known cause of mesothelioma cancer.