A man has appeared in court charged in connection with a firearms offence after bomb squads were called to a block of Scots high-rise flats.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) scrambled to the West Dunbartonshire town’s Overtoun Court after receiving the alarm on Monday. Crews raced to the incident after cops discovered an item during a search at a nearby property as part of an ongoing investigation.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes before a controlled explosion took place. Chris Gates, 26, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court earlier today charged in connection with the possession of ammunition without holding a firearm certificate.
Gates, of Clydebank, made no plea or declaration. He was remanded in custody while the case was committed for further examination.
Gates will reappear in the dock within the next eight days. Meanwhile, video footage from the scene shows a bomb squad robot operating outside a block of high-rise flats in the area earlier this week.
The robot can be seen beaming its lights before a sudden and loud bang takes place. A large puff of smoke can then be seen spreading into the sky as the operation came to an end.
Residents were allowed to return to their homes during the early hours of Tuesday after the area was made safe. It is understood that some homeowners and tenants spent the night at Dalmuir community centre and nearby hotels.
Rail services at Dalmuir were also axed during the incident but have since been reinstated.
Chief Superintendent Gary I’Anson, Divisional Commander for Argyll & West Dunbartonshire said: “I would like to extend my thanks again to the local community for their patience as we dealt with this incident. I understand the inconvenience it will have caused and I am grateful for your cooperation.”
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