A “suspicious” white substance found on the streets of Glasgow sparked a major emergency response – but turned out to be a flour product scattered to mark a running route.

A hazmat support unit was among five Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) appliances that were sent to the scene in the Shawlands area of the city when the alarm was raised at about 2pm on Monday.

Stretches of pavement on Tantallon Road and Bellwood Street were cordoned off while specialists investigated.

Children at Langside Primary had to be let out class-by-class at the end of the school day, with police and fire personnel standing by as the pavement outside the building was one of the areas cordoned off.

However, parents were later told that the substance had posed no risk.

A message from the school to parents said: “Police and fire service took precautions to ensure everyone’s safety when a suspicious white powder was found on local pavements.

“They have confirmed there is and was no risk to the children as this was a flour-based product that had been put down for a running route.

“The road and pavements are now open again.”

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Police Scotland said investigations established the substance was not harmful.

A force spokesperson said: “Around 2pm on Monday police and emergency services attended Bellwood Street, Shawlands, following the discovery of an unknown substance outside flats.

“As a precaution, a cordon was put in place along with a number of local road closures.

“Inquiries established the substance was not harmful and the closures and cordon have been lifted.”

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An SFRS spokesman added: “We were requested at 1.59pm on Monday to assist our police partners at Bellwood Street, Shawlands.

“Operations control mobilised five appliances to the scene and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”

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