Statement from Derek Ross, Director of Operations at Student Finance England

Statement from Derek Ross, Director of Operations at Student Finance England

December 05, 2011 at  11:26

"We immediately alerted police when an envelope containing white powder was received into our Darlington office this morning. This is currently being investigated by police

A member of staff has received medical attention from ambulance services on site.

"Staff have temporarily evacuated the building but we have business continuity plans in place to ensure there is minimal disruption to our customer service."

Update

"We took the decision to send staff home from Student Finance England in Darlington earlier today, as police carried out their investigations."

"The Darlington site is now safe and staff will return for their next shift as normal."

"We have taken steps to ensure there is minimum disruption to our customer service. Our Student Finance England calls are being answered at our other sites."

"Our dedicated EU student phone number is currently unavailable. We are sorry if this incident disrupted our service for customers."

"Police investigations are ongoing."