Police detonate suspicious abandoned suitcases in Gran Canaria

Bomb disposal officers carried out a controlled detonation of abandoned suitcases in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria after police were called to Calle Barcelona on Wednesday, 11th November.

Several bags and other belongings had been found near the entrance to a restaurant. Police cordoned off the area as a precaution and called in dog handlers and specialist bomb disposal officers to examine the items.

The specialists carried out a controlled detonation before checking the contents. The bags contained abandoned belongings, and no explosive material was found. The police cordon was then removed and the street returned to normal.

Following this and other reports of unattended items in public areas of Las Palmas, the National Police issued a statement yesterday (Saturday) asking residents to remain calm.

Officers said the items checked included lost or abandoned backpacks and suitcases containing clothes and personal belongings. None of the cases mentioned in the statement had involved a genuine bomb threat or explosive device.

Police explained that cordons and temporary restrictions on access allow specialist teams to check suspicious items safely. The statement did not give the precise location of every incident.

Anyone concerned about an unattended item can contact the emergency services on 112 or the National Police on 091.