Police search remote forest by fingertip following mystery blast

A member of the public reported hearing the blast in the Garadhban forest area of Gartocharn, near Loch Lomond, on Wednesday.

Strathclyde Police are investigating damage to trees in the woodland area 300 to 400 yards from Ross Priory, a 19th century function venue owned by Strathclyde University. They are being assisted by a team of counter-terrorism officers.

The Northern Diving Group –the Royal Navy's equivalent of the bomb disposal squad – had also been at the scene. Police were unable to confirm the exact nature of the explosion.

However, Chief Superintendent Calum Murray said: "The priority on Thursday was to make sure that there was no risk to the public or officers in order that initial investigations could take place. We can assure everyone that this area is secure and there is no risk to anyone living, working in or visiting the area.

"Today we began the painstaking task of searching the area for any evidence. We would like to thank the public for their co-operation and assistance."

Police dog vans entered and left the entrance road to Ross Priory, which was guarded by a police van and officers. A helicopter was circling over the area earlier yesterday.

Locals have spoken of their concerns. Stuart King, a group manager with Cawley Hotels and Retail, who was working at The House of Darrach in Gartocharn, on Wednesday, said: "One of my colleagues heard an explosion.

"It's pretty frightening, very frightening. You wouldn't expect it to happen in a small village like Gartocharn. We are just wondering what it's all about."