A SUSPICIOUS white powder that arrived in a package at Arsenal Football Club's training ground this morning was not dangerous.

Staff at the training ground in London Colney feared the package contained a lethal substance and immediately called the emergency services at around 11.55am.

Tests revealed the substance was not dangerous but police are treating the incident as malicious.

Hemel Hempstead fire crew, who were covering at St Albans fire station today, were on stand-by to decontaminate anyone but were not needed.

Simon Feldman, a police spokesman, said: "The package was sent through the post and then opened by staff.

"We are investigating this as malicious communication."

The main entrance to the ground in Bell Lane was closed off until 1.15pm.

It is not known who the package was addressed to.