Dozens of families have been left homeless for two days after a suspicious item was found in a Glasgow flat.
A 50-year-old man has been charged over the major incident which saw emergency services and a Royal Navy bomb disposal team descend on Petershill Road in Springburn shortly after 10am on Monday. He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.
A total of 26 residents have been housed by Glasgow City Council after they were evacuated from their homes two days ago.
Springburn councillor Audrey Dempsey told the Record said that families had been staying in hotels and it is hoped they will return to their properties within the next 24 hours.
The local community has aided displaced families with clothing and toiletries.
Cllr Dempsey told the Record: "If all is well, it's hoped the residents will be back in their homes tonight. In the meantime they are being supported at a resilience centre by NG Homes and Glasgow City Council staff."
The police investigation is still underway at the block of flats, with officers carrying out further searches around the property today. It is understood specialist officers from police forces in England have been involved in the search.
The explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team from Charlie Squadron, Northern Diving Group, also remain at the scene. A controlled explosion took place yesterday afternoon and the Ministry Defence confirmed they are continuing to help police with their enquiries.
It comes as terrified residents said gangland activity in the area has left them fearing they could be "caught in the crossfire".
The suspect item comes just days after the alleged murder of a young dad in Auchinloch Street in Springburn, while several cars have also been set on fire in surrounding streets.
Thomas Bowers, 33, was pronounced dead at around 5.25am on Friday, April 14.
Police are also probing the attempted murder of a 52-year-old man who was discovered in a serious condition at the scene where Thomas died.
One man said: "I've lived around here for over 50 years, but people don't feel safe anymore."
A Glasgow City Council spokesman: “We are supporting affected residents (26) by providing alternative accommodation while the Police Scotland operation continues.”
Police Scotland said: "Enquiries are continuing following the removal of a suspect item within a flat in Petershill Road, Springburn, Glasgow by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal on Monday, 17 April 2023.
"A 50-year-old-man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today, Wednesday, 19 April, 2023.
"As a precautionary measure, further searches will be carried out today, Wednesday, 19 April 2023 and officers remain at the scene.
"A cordon remains in place and we would ask people to avoid the area. Partial road closures remain on Petershill Road, Red Road, Oatfield Street and Dykemuir Street in the Springburn area.
"Residents are being supported by the local authority."
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