Bomb disposal team called in as shopping centre evacuated after ‘suspicious package’ found

A shopping centre in Lancaster has been evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious package.

Lancashire Police said a bomb disposal team was on its way to the scene at St Nicholas Arcades on Monday morning.

Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area, and some city centre streets nearby were reported to be cordoned off.

A police spokesperson confirmed the incident was ongoing, while a statement quoted by multiple outlets 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.

“We will provide an update when we can.”

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