Rescue service vehicles at the OP bank branch on Mikonkatu in Helsinki on 7 May 2025. The rescue services and police were investigating a suspicious letter delivered to the branch. Photo: Teemu Salonen / Lehtikuva
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A suspicious letter delivered to the OP bank branch on Mikonkatu in central Helsinki on Wednesday morning prompted a police and rescue operation.
Authorities received an alert shortly after 10:00am regarding an unidentified item sent to the bank. Emergency services, including several fire units and police patrols, were deployed to the scene.
According to a police statement, the situation was categorised as a low-risk inspection.
No injuries were reported and no evacuation was required. The branch continued to operate throughout the incident.
Thomas Salomaa, head of basic services at OP Uusimaa, confirmed the delivery of what he called an “unusual letter”. He said staff followed standard procedures by notifying the authorities.
“If something abnormal is identified, we contact the authorities as a precaution,” Salomaa said. “At this point, the police and rescue services are conducting an investigation. The situation is under control and we are following their instructions.”
Police have not disclosed the contents of the letter. The examination remained ongoing as of early afternoon. Investigators were working inside the building while emergency vehicles remained parked outside.
A journalist from Yle at the scene described the atmosphere as calm. Customers inside the branch continued with their business and appeared unaware of the situation unfolding. Police allowed access to the premises and traffic around the area remained unaffected.
Salomaa said the bank had not received any specific information from the authorities about the nature of the item or the potential threat.
“There is no cause for alarm, but we are awaiting more details ourselves,” he said shortly after 12:30pm.
The incident is being handled by Helsinki Police with support from the city’s fire department. No criminal investigation has been announced.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
