Leeds shopping centre evacuated after a ‘potentially suspicious item’ was found

A shopping centre and surrounding areas in Leeds were evacuated on Monday afternoon following reports of a “potentially suspicious item”.

The West Yorkshire Police officers were called to Merrion Way in Leeds City Centre on Monday 17th at 2.24pm.

Shoppers and staff at the centre were told to evacuate and a police cordon was set up. Some surrounding roads were closed while army disposal experts assessed the item.

The experts gave the all clear shortly after 6pm and the cordon was lifted.

via @lauren_x_0

Luke, 22, a student who was doing his food shopping at the time, told The Leeds Tab: “I was at the self checkout when someone started shouting to get out of the shop.

“I was quite confused at first so I sort of froze but then everyone started going towards the exit so I left my shopping and went too.

“As we were going out, they came over the tannoy to tell everyone to evacuate.”

He added: “I heard someone say it was a bomb threat. I just feel bad for all the staff lined up outside without their coats.

“I waited for a while but it didn’t seem like they were going to open anytime soon so I got a McDonalds and went home instead.

“I still haven’t done my food shopping and I’ve lost my favourite bag for life but I’m glad everyone is okay.”

Local students took to social media platforms such as TikTok to share their thoughts on the incident, documenting their day under lockdown.

@lauren_x_0

#leeds

♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem

@l1v___

pov: our accom just received a b0mb threat 👅👅👅 #leeds #uni

♬ original sound – TOOTHLESS FAIRY

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police were called to Merrion Way in Leeds at 2.24pm today following a report that a potentially suspicious item had been left there.

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“West Yorkshire Police would like to thank people in Leeds for their patience following a potentially suspicious item incident in the city centre.

“At 2.24pm, police received a report that an item had been left on Merrion Way, Leeds.

“A cordon and road closures were put in place.

“Army bomb disposal experts assessed the item and gave the all-clear shortly after 6pm, the cordon has been lifted.”

Featured image on the right via @lauren_x_0