The WHSmith headquarters in Swindon was partially evacuated after receiving a mysterious package containing white powder.

Staff on one floor at the Greenbridge Road building were evacuated following the discovery of the unknown package at 12pm on Wednesday, April 19.

Police attended the scene with two fire officers also in attendance.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called to WHSmith, Greenbridge, Swindon around 12 noon after reports of a suspicious package that had been sent in the post.

“The package contained an unknown white powder.

“All staff from the floor were evacuated and some were decontaminated as a precaution.

“The package, which was deemed not to be harmful, was taken to Swindon’s Gablecross Police station where it was destroyed.”

Members of the public had been told to stay away from the area for their own safety.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson at the time said: "We will update you as soon as we can but are urging people to avoid the area."

Staff returned to the building following the police checks.

A WHSmith spokesperson said: ‘We have been working with the Police and Fire Service to ensure the safe removal of a suspicious package received into our Customer Service Centre today.

“The building has also been checked and the office is now open.”