CHARLTON Athletic FC's administrative offices in Bexleyheath were evacuated and members of staff quarantined when a member of staff opened a package containing a white powdery substance.

It spilled out of a folded piece of white paper inside an envelope that originated in the Republic of Ireland. Police were called but the substance was revealed to be flour.

Mick Everett, Charlton’s operations director, said: “As soon as the substance was discovered we called the police, who subsequently got in touch with Scotland Yard.

“They sent a Multi-Agency Assessment Team, comprising members of the police, fire ambulance and scientific services, who specialise in chemical and biological substances and terrorism threats.”

The alert happened on Monday. The package was left locked away in a separate room until it was inspected by experts.

"When it was discovered the substance was flour it seemed like an awful waste of time, but these things need to be dealt with correctly,” Everett added. “You cannot take any chances.

The way we responded to the incident, and the strategy the club had in place, was complimented by the MAIAT.”

Police are carrying out further investigations.