A recycling centre in Moray has been sealed off by police after a suspected explosive device was found inside the building.
Officers cordoned off the premises in Keith shortly before 1pm, following the suspicious discovery with bomb disposal teams immediately alerted.
It is not known what the items were, but the Army’s explosive ordnance disposal team was sent to the Moray town from Edinburgh to examine the objects.
Tape was put up to block the entrance to the Balloch Road depot while officers stood outside throughout the afternoon. More tape could also be seen attached to the large containers which are used to transport rubbish from the site.
Police were unable to reveal where the object had been found, but they remained committed to protecting the public.
It is understood that EOD officers were continuing to examine the item before making a decision about whether a controlled explosion was necessary.
Discoveries of unexploded devices dating from the Second World War are not unusual in the Moray area, but are more commonly found washed up on the beaches near Roseisle, Findhorn and Nairn.
A police spokeswoman explained that officers were alerted to the find at the recycling centre at about 12.35pm.
She said: “We got a call to say some sort of device had been found, which nobody could identify.
“The recycling centre was closed and an area was cordoned off as a precaution. EOD were alerted.”
An Army spokeswoman added: “We were contacted by the police and our EOD team from Edinburgh were dispatched to Keith to examine items of interest.”
Moray Council warned the public that the recycling centre would remain closed until “further notice” and apologised for the disruption which the incident had caused.