'Controlled explosions' carried out in Glasgow before Indo-Pak ODI

Glasgow, July 3 (UNI) Scotland police today conducted a series of controlled explosions on a suspicious vehicle outside a mosque here, hours before India and Pakistan were to play a one-day international match.

A bomb disposal team carried out the operation early this morning on a suspicious car parked outside the Forth Street Mosque in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow's south side, which has a large Asian population.

Police, however, said there was no indication that the mosque had any connection with the attempt by two men to set off a car bomb at the airport on Saturday.

Superintendent Stewart Daniels, of Strathclyde Police, told BBC Radio Scotland, ''The car was found to be in the car park of a mosque. There's absolutely no specific information to indicate that this vehicle is a threat, however we have been working very closely over the past few days with the bomb squad.'' ''They are out at present, firstly just to ensure that the vehicle is not a threat, and secondly to secure any forensic evidence that the vehicle may contain. The mosque itself has no link to this incident.'' The car was removed from the scene and will undergo a forensic search. The area was also cordoned off by police.

Security of the two teams was also beefed up after Saturday's foiled terrorist attack at the airport.

Meanwhile, wet outfield due to incessant rain has delayed the start of the one-off ODI for the Friendship Cup between India and Pakistan.

Persistent drizzle thwarted scheduled start of 1515 hrs IST and with the inspection scheduled for 1830 hrs IST, the match could be reduced to less than 25-over-a-side affair. Even that may not be possible if the sun does not come out and the outfield dried up rapidly.

The proceeds of the match, which is part of celebrations of the 60th anniversary of independence of the two countries, will go to Prince Charles Trust.

UNI