Plane theory over mystery powder

Police believe fuel fell from a training aircraft

Highland police believe an RAF plane is the most likely source of the mystery white powder which fell on children at a Sutherland school.

Thirty five pupils were in the playground at Lairg Primary when the substance descended last week.

The youngsters complained of itching after they were coated in the white powder.

The police said they now believe the substance could be aviation fuel from a Tucano, a propeller-driven aircraft used for pilot training.

Pupils were sent home after the incident

But tests on the substance have so far proved inconclusive, and the Royal Air Force has voiced doubts over the theory.

The Royal Air Force has confirmed that three Tucanos were flying in the Sutherland area that day.

Chief Inspector Iain Gregory said police Enquiries were concentrating on one aircraft and one pilot.

But he thought it was unlikely that anyone would be prosecuted over the incident.

However, an RAF spokesman said it was impossible for a Tucano aircraft to eject aviation fuel.

He said further evidence would be needed to prove that the substance was crystallised fuel from an aircraft.

School closed

In the meantime, military authorities are continuing to liaise with the police in the investigation.

The pupils were examined by a local GP after the incident.

None required hospital treatment, but the school was closed as a precautionary measure.

Northern Constabulary sent the substance for analysis at the Grampian Police laboratory in Aberdeen.