White powder scare

Emergency services were called to the Gosford Council office on Woy Woy recently when employees found that a white powder had been pushed through the mailbox in the front door.

Fire crews attended to clean up the area and take samples which police took away for analysis.

The white powder was later found to be harmless.

The incident was the second of the type at the council offices.

Umina Fire Station Officer Glenn Rorie said, "Obviously we treat every incident as though it's the real thing, considering the anthrax attacks in the US."

Jonathan Reichard, November 13