Suspicious item at St Joseph's Church in Bukit Timah is harmless, say police

A suspicious item found at St Joseph's Church in Bukit Timah on Sunday (Dec 21) morning forced churchgoers and staff to evacuate the premises while the authorities investigated the matter, before concluding that the item was harmless.

The police first got a call for assistance at the church about 7.10am. "The police have secured the area and the church has been evacuated while police operations are ongoing," they said in a Facebook post at about 9.15am.

About an hour later, the police said they had activated the Singapore Armed Forces' Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group (CBRE). "They have arrived at scene to support ongoing operations," said the police in a Facebook post at about 10.05am.

In a subsequent post at 11.08am, the police said the suspicious item was found to be harmless.

"The situation is under control and police operations are still ongoing," they added.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the vicinity and comply with officers' instructions.

Mass cancelled

When AsiaOne visited the church in the morning, police officers were stationed at the entrance, directing vehicles away and preventing anyone from entering the premises. 

One church staff member, who declined to be named, was overheard saying that the suspicious item was found at a chapel within the church's compound. He was told to take a rest while waiting for police operations to be concluded.

A churchgoer, who only wished to be identified as Mr Hao, told AsiaOne that he only learned about the mass cancellation when a Traffic Police officer informed him that he could not enter the premises.

The 48-year-old attends mass at the church every Sunday.

"I'm surprised to hear of this incident. [A church] is usually a peaceful place for prayers and reflection," he said. "I'll find another church to attend service."

Madam Letchi, 72, who grew up in that area, was also surprised that mass was cancelled.

When asked if she was disappointed, she said: "Disappointed, no, because it's not the church's fault. Sad, yes. Places of worship must always be safe and open."

SCDF resources were later seen being withdrawn from the church at around 11:30am, with a fire engine and an ambulance leaving the scene. Police cordon tapes within the church were also being removed.

Separately, the church announced in a Facebook post at about 9am that it was temporarily closed with mass cancelled.

"Please proceed to other churches for mass. We apologise for all the inconvenience caused," read the message by Catholic priest Christopher Lee.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan — MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC where the church is located — expressed his gratitude to the various agencies for their swift, calm, and resolute response in a Facebook post on Sunday morning.

"Will wait for further updates from the police and church leadership on reopening," said the Foreign Minister, who also thanked church volunteers for their efforts. 

"I was glad to meet Father Christopher Lee this morning — a real pillar of calm leadership, as always."

Anyone with information relating to the incident are urged to contact the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online.

All information will be kept strictly confidential, said the police.

In November 2024, Father Lee was stabbed in the mouth while conducting evening mass at the church. He suffered an 8cm laceration on his tongue and cuts to his mouth.

The alleged attacker, Basnayake Keith Spencer, was later charged over the stabbing and possession of weapons.

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lim.kewei@asiaone.com