Anthrax alert at US Consulate in Belfast

Two employees at the American Consulate in Belfast have been taken to hospital after coming into contact with a white powder contained in the post.

A package was being taken for x-ray when one of the men noticed the powder on Monday October 23. Both men were isolated and showered down before being taken to hospital as a precaution. Their clothes and the package were taken away for analysis.

Last week there were six reported cases in Northern Ireland – all of which were identified as hoaxes.

On Thursday October 18, samples of white powder, which were sent to two homes in Belfast and Tyrone; to post office depots in Belfast and Mallusk; to Derry City Council’s offices and a household at in Whitehead, County Antrim, were confirmed by laboratories in England to be hoaxes.

The Security Minister Jane Kennedy has warned hoaxers that they face prosecution and possible imprisonment for their actions.

Condemning hoaxers who are maliciously causing unnecessary alarm and concern to the general public in Northern Ireland, she said: “These individuals are causing distress and spreading fear throughout the community. These are malicious and criminal acts and anyone sending hoax packages or misleading the police will be prosecuted and may face imprisonment.

"I would like to reassure the public that there is no specific evidence of any current threat of bio-terrorism in Northern Ireland. So whilst people should obviously treat any suspicious package with caution, I urge people not to overreact but to remain alert and calm.” (AMcE)