THE CRIMINAL justice department in Stonehaven had to be evacuated yesterday after a suspicious substance was discovered in the building at lunchtime.

Police and Grampian fire and rescue service attended the premises in Cameron Street—but the powder was later identified as non- hazardous.

“The building was evacuated purely as a precautionary measure,”a police spokesman said afterwards.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and a police appeal has been issued for witnesses who have may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area on Thursday night or earlier yesterday to contact them on 0845 600 5700.