Residents evacuated after ‘suspicious items’ found in building

Local residents have been evacuated after “suspicious items” were found in a building in Paisley, police said.

Emergency services were called to an initial report of a car fire in the George Street area of the Renfrewshire town at about 8.15am on Monday.

Police Scotland said the fire was extinguished, however, a number of “suspicious items” were found in the common close of a building nearby.

The force said that properties in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.

George Street has been closed between Causeyside Street and Barr Place with a diversion in place, and people are being asked to avoid the area.

Police said that a 41-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Officers said that extensive inquiries remain ongoing and specialist resources have been deployed to assist.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent four appliances and specialist resources to the scene.

The Scottish Ambulance Service sent an ambulance and its special operations response team.

An SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 8.15am on Monday September 2, to an incident on George St, Paisley.

“Operations control mobilised four appliances and specialist resources to the scene.

“Crews remain in attendance alongside emergency service partners.”