The case of an unidentified object created panic among people near Istana Park on the afternoon of Friday, November 3. The area, near Penang Lane, was cordoned off by the police after they received a call around 2 pm. Now, the object has been identified as a child's toy that resembled a hand grenade.
The confusion regarding the mysterious object led to a section of the park near Dhoby Ghaut MRT, between Penang Road and Penang Lane, being sealed off. The police posted on their Facebook page that the lane was closed to "facilitate police operations."
Passers-by saw about six police vans in the area. Reports said members of the K-9 unit and Singapore Armed Force's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives Defence Group had also arrived to inspect the scene. Commuters had to take a detour to reach their destinations near this site.
The Singapore Police Force had asked people through social media not to speculate about the strange object. They later posted an update on Facebook, saying that the suspicious object was merely a toy hand grenade.
The commotion surrounding the unidentified object lasted for about an hour, sending citizens into panic. However, following the discovery of it being a toy, normal traffic operations have been restored.
In September, an unidentified individual had thrown a flaming cylindrical object into Kebun Baru Food Centre at Ang Mo Kio. The object landed under a table and exploded, leading to the whole area being cordoned off for about six hours.
Singapore police are cautious and treat every incident seriously to ensure complete security of the residents. New security measures have also been prepared for its checkpoints and entry-exit areas.
As for the recent case, Singapore police has urged anyone having information to reach them via the Police Hotline number at 1800-255-0000. Information can also be submitted online at the police website. Assurance has been given that all information will be kept confidential.
