Post for swathes of Essex was delayed after sorting office workers feared anthrax was leaking from a parcel.

But police yesterday (Wednesday) said the chances of the county being targeted were minimal and there was no need for panic.

In the wake of current events in the US, where senators and journalists have been targeted in a series of anthrax attacks, it was feared the parcel could have contained a terrorist chemical attack.

The scare happened at about 6.30pm at the Consignia sorting office in Winsford Way. Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the centre after concerned workers discovered a package had split and a small amount of powder had spilled out.

Staff were evacuated while police investigated the package. But the powder was confirmed to be harmless at 8.45pm. It had sent by a reputable photographic company, police said.

For more on this story see today's Evening Gazette

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