Suspicious package with 'white powder' found at Co Antrim postal sorting office

A suspicious package has been found at a postal sorting office in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

A spokesperson for the Royal Mail confirmed white powder was found in an item shortly after 9 am on Wednesday morning.

Police attended the sorting centre in Mallusk after the alert was raised.

The powder was checked by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and found to be a non-hazardous substance.

Shortly after the discovery a Royal Mail spokesperson said: "The safety of our people is of the utmost priority and in line with our policy and procedures, the emergency services attended and the area where the powder was found was cordoned off."

Royal Mail reassured customers there has been no impact on the operation of the mailing centre.