A bomb squad has been sighted deploying an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robot on a quiet residential street in Troon.
Emergency services were called to Burnfoot Avenue in the seaside Ayrshire town shortly after 4pm on Thursday. Images from the scene showed multiple police vehicles and a bomb disposal truck parked in the street.
A cordon has been established in the street as police and the EOD unit respond to the call, which relates to a suspicious package in an outhouse behind one of the homes in the street. South Ayrshire Council is supporting residents who have been evacuated from their homes.
However, a high-tech bomb disposal robot was sent into a common close between two properties as part of the response. Members of the armed forces could be seen preparing the robot to send it into the area of concern.
Cllr Philip Saxton, who represents the Troon ward on South Ayrshire Council, said that residents were being looked after by the local authority. He told the Record: "We've got emergency services responding to a situation and people will be looked after until they can get back home."
It is understood that residents were allowed back into their home sometime around 10pm after the incident was resolved. Police Scotland could not immediately confirm whether it remained on scene.
A force spokesperson said: "At around 4.15pm on Thursday April 20, police were called after a suspect item was found in the outhouse of an address in Burnfoot Avenue, Troon. As a precaution a cordon has been established around the area with a number of local residents being evacuated.
"South Ayrshire Council is assisting. Explosive ordnance disposal are in attendance and enquiries are continuing."
The incident comes days after bomb squads were sent out to the Springburn area of Glasgow amid reports of a suspect package. Christopher Scarr, 50, appeared in court today charged with an explosive substances offence after police were called to Petershill Road on Monday.
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