Suspicious item at St Joseph's Church in Bukit Timah found to be harmless: S'pore police

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has confirmed that the suspicious item found at St Joseph's Church in Bukit Timah on Dec. 21 was found to be harmless.

Item is harmless: SPF

In a Facebook update posted at 11:09am, SPF said that the police and the Singapore Armed Forces’ Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group (CBRE DG) had conducted thorough checks on the item and found it to be harmless.

"The situation is under control and police operations are still ongoing," SPF said.

SPF also advised members of the public to avoid the location until further notice.

Those with information on the incident can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.

All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Police called to scene

On Dec. 21 at around 7:10am, the police received a call for assistance at the church.

Officers were at the scene attending to the incident.

Police were also seen combing the perimeter of the church as part of investigations.

In a Facebook post, the church confirmed that it is temporarily closed.

All masses for the day have been cancelled.

Vivian Balakrishnan thanks authorities for swift response

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan also expressed his gratitude for the swift response from authorities in a Facebook post.

"Grateful to the SPF, SAF CBRE, SCDF for their quick, calm and resolute response," Balakrishnan wrote.

Balakrishnan also thanked the St Joseph’s Church volunteers for all their efforts.

Balakrishnan had paid a visit to St Joseph’s Church on Dec. 21 morning following the item's discovery, and met with the church's priest, Father Christopher Lee.

"Will wait for further updates from the police and the church leadership on re-opening," Balakrishnan wrote.

Top image from Javier Lim/Mothership