Locals were stunned after a suspicious package was delivered to an MPs office.

Staff working for John Nicolson, SNP MP for East Dunbartonshire, contacted the police after the delivery to his office on Townhead this afternoon.

Officers cordoned off the bustling high street to pedestrians and traffic while investigations were carried out.

The area, busy with shoppers, was reopened again The item has now been removed for testing.

Shopkeeper Ashard Ali, 50, has been working in the area for 20 years and said he was shocked to hear the news.

The newsagent owner said: "It's usually quiet here, I'm surprised.

"A customer came in and said it was some postman at the MP's shop and he had delivered some sort of packaging which was suspect.

"It's so unusual. I've been here for years and this kind of thing doesn't happen. It's usually quiet, it's never been like that."

Fellow shopkeeper Ashard Mohammad, 64, said he was warned to stay inside by police after going out on to the street.

He said: "I was standing outside after I saw a fire engine and police cars. The police said 'for your own safety you better stay inside'

"There were about six or seven police cars and a special van, maybe bomb squad but I'm not sure.

"I thought there maybe was some sort of fire or something at first.

"The whole street was cordoned off."

The Herald:

Photo credit: Kirsty Anderson 

Mr Nicolson had travelled down to Westminster this morning and was not on the area when the delivery arrived.

He said: "Staff at the office followed strict procedures put in place by the Westminster authorities.

"The police were helpful, speedy and efficient.

"They evacuated the office for a short time and took away the package for tests."

He added that the "first priority" were his staff members, and said: "I much appreciate the quick and efficient response from the police. Everyone at the office is fine.

"My staff safety is my first priority."

A police spokeswoman said: " At around 12.20pm on Tuesday 25 April 2017, police and emergency services responded to a report of a suspicious package that had been delivered to the constituency office of John Nicolson MP, at Townhead, Kirkintilloch.

"Roads are now re-opened, the package has been taken away for examination and enquiries continue."