Army officer charged over dummy grenade alert at Edinburgh Airport

A senior army officer has been charged after he allegedly took a decommissioned hand grenade through Scotland’s busiest airport. 

Lt Col Hugo Clark is accused of taking a deactivated explosive through security, causing a bomb squad to be called to Edinburgh Airport.

The grenade, a dummy that was used in training, was assessed “non-viable and posed no threat” after the alleged incident in October.

“Around 8.05am on Wednesday October 16, police were called by security at Edinburgh Airport after a decommissioned ordnance device was found during scanning of a passenger’s hand luggage,” a spokesperson for Police Scotland.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal attended and the item was assessed as non-viable and posed no threat.

“A 54-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.”

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Officers charged Clark in connection with the incident but Police Scotland have not said what the offence is.

He was released from custody and will appear before a court at a later date.

“A service person was involved in a security incident at Edinburgh Airport on October 16,” said a spokesperson for the army.

“As the matter is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings we won’t comment further.”

According to government guidance, imitation explosive devices, including replica or model guns, as well as mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores, cannot be taken on planes in either hand luggage or in the hold.