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Bomb squad evacuate tower block during probe into man's death

BBC Two police cars in front of shot, with fire engines and fire crews behind and the bottom floors of the tower block also visible in backgroundBBC
Several police vehicles and fire crews were sent to the scene at Overtoun Court

A tower block has been evacuated after the bomb squad was called to a "suspect item" found during a police investigation into a man's death.

Residents at Overtoun Court in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, were left out of their homes on Monday night with emergency services still at the scene.

Forensics officers have been in the area since the unexplained death of the 58-year-old man on 17 October.

It is not know how many people have been evacuated. Police Scotland said there "was nothing to suggest" the suspect item was linked to the death.

Police officers, ambulances and several Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews were dispatched to the 15-storey block just after 13:00 on Monday.

BBC Scotland News understands several residents were provided with overnight hotel accommodation as the block remained cordoned off.

While part of the block remains taped off, the entrance has reopened and residents are expected to be allowed back into their homes on Tuesday.

Google A 15 floor tower block rises high into the blue sky with numerous cars parked at the bottom.Google
The public are being asked to avoid the area around Overtoun Court

Resident Gerry Barclay said that police had been going round the flats asking about the 58-year-old man's death, only to return around 30 minutes later.

He said: "They said they were evacuating the flats as they had found hazardous materials."

Another resident, Steven Fleming, said he was told to leave as quickly as possible and that everyone was "asking the same questions" about whether they could get home or not.

The nearby Dalmuir community centre has served as a rest centre since Monday afternoon for people told to leave their homes.

Ch Supt Gary I’Anson, Police Scotland divisional commander for Argyll & West Dunbartonshire, thanked locals for their "patience and understanding".

He added: "Emergency services remain at the scene and police are working with partner agencies to provide support and reassurance to everyone affected."

man with grey hair and stubble looks at camera
Steven Fleming was told to leave his flat as quickly as possible

The incident also resulted in the suspension of train services via nearby Dalmuir station.

The line remained closed throughout Monday evening and passengers were advised problems could carry over into Tuesday with trains now "out of position."

ScotRail said services through Dalmuir station would run as scheduled on Tuesday morning but may be subject to delay, alteration or cancellation.

It advised customers customers to check their journey on the rail operator's app or website before leaving the house.

Detectives have been investigating the death of the 58-year-old man at a home in nearby Dunswin Avenue since Thursday 17 October.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers searching a property in Overtoun Court in Clydebank, as part of an ongoing investigation, have discovered a suspect item.

"EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] has been informed and several surrounding properties are being evacuated as a precaution."

Neither Police Scotland or West Dunbartonshire Council was able to confirm how many people had been evacuated from the tower block.

A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: "We are fully supporting residents who have been evacuated from their home as a result of this incident and continue to liaise with relevant services."