Lancaster shopping centre St Nics evacuated after 'suspicious package' discovered

St Nicholas Arcades in the city centre was evacuated at around 6.30 as emergency services and the bomb squad were called to the scene.

Pictures from city photographer Joshua Brandwood showed police cordons in place as the bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion.

The scene was taped off from the Moor Lane junction to the George Street junction on the one-way system, but the shopping centre and all roads have since reopened.

Lancashire Police said the exploded package was later inspected and deemed to be “no threat”. The force said an investigation is under way to establish how and why the item was left at the location.

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A police spokesperson said: “Earlier today we told you that a cordon was in place in Lancaster Gate, Lancaster, after we received a report that a suspicious package had been found.

“Colleagues from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended and carried out a controlled explosion.

“Following the controlled explosion, it was found that the item was of no threat. Our enquiries are ongoing into how the item came to be in that location.

“The cordon has been removed and the roads in the area are reopened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lancashire Police on 101 – quoting log 0198 of April 28.

Earlier today, a police spokesperson said: “We currently have a cordon in place in Lancaster Gate, Lancaster.

“This was following a report we received at 6.32am that a suspicious package had been found near to a property.

“Colleagues from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are on their way and we ask people to avoid the area as a precaution.”

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Police closed part of the one-way A6 around the shopping centre, from Cable Street to Great John Street.

It led to congestion and delays with diverted traffic reportedly at a standstill around the city centre.

Some shops were forced to close until further notice, including Jo and Cass beauty salon in Great John Street, which said it hopes to reopen by 1pm.