Lancaster shopping centre evacuated after ‘suspicious package’ found

A Lancaster shopping centre has been evacuated after a “suspicious package” was discovered on a nearby street.

St Nicholas Arcades was evacuated at approximately 6:30am, with Lancaster’s bomb squad now being at the scene. Other nearby businesses were also evacuated.

A cordon is also in place on Great John Street between the junctions of Moor Lane and Gage Street, on the one-way system with a diversion along Moor Lane being in place.

The city centre cordon taken from the War Memorial via Jess Cowie

Beyond Radio has reported that there are delays around North Road, Caton Road, Owen Road and Skerton Bridge.

A Lancaster 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.

“We will provide an update when we can.”