A 'controlled explosion' was carried out at Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station after it was evacuated yesterday.

Police received a report of a 'potential suspicious item' at the city centre travel hub at around 1.10pm on Wednesday, November 20.

After the alarm was raised, emergency crews, including medics, firefighters, and police officers, raced to the scene. Officers also alerted the bomb squad.

(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Shortly after 9.30pm last night, police revealed a 'controlled explosion was carried out' at the bus station, however, nothing suspicious was found. 

READ MORE: Bomb squad pictured 'moving into' Glasgow bus station amid incident

Following the incident, three men have been arrested in connection with the alleged possession of offensive weapons.

It is understood the incident is not being treated as a terror incident. An investigation into the incident is underway.

We reported how a bomb disposal unit, including a robot, was pictured on the scene. Shortly after 5pm, bomb squad officers could be seen kitting up and preparing to move in.

(Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Specialist cops and bomb disposal robot at bus station amid 'suspicious package'

Meanwhile, due to the incident, the full bus station was closed down and no buses were being allowed to enter or leave it.

On top of that, cops also cordoned off Killermont Street between West Nile Street and North Hanover Street, and Cowcaddens Road between Port Dundas Road and North Hanover Street, and West Nile Street between Killermont Street and Cowcaddens Road.

(Image: Newsquest) However, Glasgow City Council has revealed these roads have since reopened.

During the incident, police were advising members of the public to 'avoid the area' as well.

READ MORE: Three men arrested after bomb squad called to 'suspicious item'

Additionally, several transport services also experienced disruption as a result of the incident, including Stagecoach’s X77 service from Glasgow to Ayr, as well as all of ScotRail’s Queen Street high street level services.

The city’s subway service was also closed down, but later re-opened at around 9pm.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) also confirmed at around 8.30pm on Wednesday that the campus had been evacuated and closed as a precaution.

However, the university confirmed at around 10.50pm that police said staff and students may return to the campus on Thursday, November 21.

(Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: 'Avoid area': Glasgow bus station closed due to 'suspicious item'

In an email sent to all staff and students, the university said: “We are pleased to inform you the police have advised that our Glasgow campus is now safe to reopen, and it will be fully operational from 7am.

“Staff and students may return to campus tomorrow, and all scheduled classes, meetings, and services will resume as normal.

“At this time, we fully expect that vehicle access routes, including Cowcaddens Road, will have also reopened.

“However, there may still be some travel disruption, specifically services using Buchanan Bus Station. Transport operators will be able to advise.”

(Image: Newsquest) They added: “For those who were unable to remove their vehicles from Concert Square multi-storey car park during the closure, we understand that Glasgow City Council has suspended parking charges during the incident, although the specific details are unconfirmed.

“No student attendance record will be detrimentally affected by this afternoon’s evacuation of the campus.

“We sincerely thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation.”

READ MORE: Part of Glasgow's M8 closed due to police incident at Buchanan Bus Station

READ MORE: Event taking place in Glasgow tonight cancelled

A number of businesses in the area have also been affected. The Royal Concert Hall’s planned An Audience With Celtic Legends event was cancelled.

Part of Glasgow's M8 motorway was also forced to close due to the bus station incident.

Traffic Scotland shut the road's westbound off-slip at Junction 16 (Dobbie's Loan Interchange) for a brief period of time.

At 10.46pm last night, SPT revealed Buchanan Bus Station had reopened following the incident.

 

 

A spokesperson said: "Buchanan Bus Station is now open.

"Please bear with us while bus services start to resume.

"Staff are on hand to assist & we are working with operators to get buses & drivers back on schedule but some disruption should still be expected.

"Thank you for your patience & understanding."

(Image: Newsquest) A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Three men have been arrested following an incident at Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

"Around 1.10pm, police received a report of a potential suspicious item at the bus station. Officers contacted the EOD and a controlled explosion was carried out. Nothing suspicious was found.

"As a precaution, the bus station and surrounding buildings were evacuated.

"Three men were arrested in connection with possession of offensive weapons and enquiries are ongoing.

"Officers are working to return the area back to normal."