Police confirm what caused Co-op closure after ‘suspicious substance’ concern

A substance alert that prompted the closure of a Co-op store turned out to be a ‘harmless’ everyday item. The discovery forced the shop to close and the surrounding area in Houlton in Rugby was sealed off yesterday afternoon, July 17.

It followed a 999 call that a ‘suspicious substance’ had been found in the store. Police, firefighters and medics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the scene.

At the time, a Warwickshire Police spokesperson said: “We are dealing with the discovery of a suspicious substance,” the spokesperson said. “We are taking all necessary precautions while we establish what it is.”

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This morning (July 18) the force confirmed it was not a suspicious substance and was believed to have been powdered grout or cement. In a statement, the force said: “There was concern due to the way it was discovered and the appropriate precautions were taken.

“The substance was later found to be harmless – it is now believed to be some form of grout or cement.

“Thank you to everyone for your patience as we worked with our emergency services colleagues to take the right precautions to make sure everyone was safe.”

Medics checked some staff inside the store but no one was injured.

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