Thames Water incident: Suspicious package ‘turns out to be cement powder’

Emergency services have stood down from an incident at a Thames Water office.

999 crews rushed to reports of a suspicious package containing powder at the utility company’s call centre at Kembrey Business Park at around 9.15am today (Tuesday).

Wiltshire 999s understands that a parcel was delivered to the post room. When it was opened, the member of staff was left covered in white dust – sparking concerns over what the substance was.

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Testing was carried out by specially trained professionals, who reportedly determined that it was cement powder.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We were called to Thames Water, Kembrey Business Park, Swindon around 8.30am this morning (Tuesday) after reports of a suspicious package that had been sent in the post.

“The package contained an unknown white powder. The building was put on lock-down as a precaution, and staff were supported throughout the morning.

“The package was deemed not to be harmful, and the scene has been lifted.”

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “Following the delivery of a suspicious package to our Walnut Court office this morning, we immediately alerted the local fire brigade and police.

“The police has since confirmed that the package was not harmful.

“The health and safety of our employees is a priority and we continue to support staff who were on site this morning.”

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