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© Steven SweeneyGaradhban Forest near Loch Lomond
Anti-terrorist officers from the Metropolitan Police have been drafted in to assist an investigation into an explosion in a remote forest area near Loch Lomond.

The specialist officers were called in after yesterday's blast in the Garadhban forest in Gartocharn.

Police said the explosion caused damage to trees and it is understood officers investigating the source of the blast have found several devices.

The alarm was raised shortly after noon when a member of the public heard the explosion.

UK-wide agencies including the Royal Navy's Northern Diving Group are at the scene to assist the probe. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said they had been asked for assistance by Strathclyde Police.

No-one was injured and the public are not at risk, the force said.

Chief Superintendent Calum Murray, Divisional Commander for Argyll, Bute and West Dunbartonshire, said: "As you would expect, when we are dealing with a situation where we suspect that explosives may be involved, it is our immediate priority to assess the situation and to call on expertise where we think it is appropriate.

"By its very nature, this type of assessment and investigation is complex and does take time. I can confirm that we are currently being assisted by agencies from across the UK.

"I would stress that the site is secure and that there is no risk to public safety. I would ask that if anyone has seen anything suspicious in or around the area, or has any information - no matter how insignificant it may seem - that they contact the Police or Crimestoppers. All calls will, of course, be treated in the strictest of confidence.

"As I am sure you can understand, this is an ongoing investigation that is going to take some time to complete. We will release more information as that investigation progresses."