Woman questioned over North Sea oil rig evacuation

Aberdeen: A 23-year-old British woman is being questioned by police following a major security alert on a North Sea oil rig which led to the evacuation of 500 people on Sunday.

A police statement said: "Grampian Police can confirm it is meantime investigating an alleged incident on a North Sea installation. As part of the police inquiry into this matter arrangements are being made for a 23-year-old British woman to be taken on shore."

British defence officials said they had sent about 14 helicopters to evacuate the rig following a reported bomb threat.

A bomb disposal unit was sent to the rig although the incident is not considered terrorism related.

A Royal Air Force (RAF) spokesman said about 14 helicopters were involved at the operation at the Safe Scandinavia rig, about 160 nautical miles north of Aberdeen, which is an accommodation base for oil workers.