Five police officers were taken to hospital after potentially coming into contact with asbestos during a routine search in Aberdeen harbour, BBC Scotland has reported.

A property in the Blaikes Quay area was sealed off at about 9pm due to fears over the hazardous material.

The officers were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for further assessment. They were later discharged.

Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue crews provided specialist decontamination assistance at the scene.

A Police Scotland spokesman said:

“Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance providing specialist assistance with the matter and the five police officers will be taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for further assessment.

The property in question has been secured and no other members of the police service or the public have been affected.

There is no wider threat to the local community and the public are thanked for their patience whilst emergency services deal with the incident.”