Southampton incident: Bomb squad scrambled with UK city centre streets locked down
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Thursday morning, with the bomb squad being scrambled moments later.
The bomb squad has rushed to a major UK city centre after reports of "suspected unexploded ordnance" being found inside roadworks.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in Cumberland Place, Southampton shortly after 10am, while the city council has warned of disruption affecting the city centre Ring Road - a major route through the region.
A Southampton City Council spokesperson said: "Police are currently on site and the Ring Road and nearby footways have been closed for public safety.
"This will unfortunately cause delays coming into and out of the city centre and impact the wider network. Please plan your journeys to avoid this area."
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Closures being slowly lifted
In a statement shortly after 13:00, Southampton City Council said: "We have been informed that the closures are now being slowly lifted and the road will be returning to the temporary one-way system shortly.
"Thank you for your patience during this incident."
What eyewitnesses are saying
William Migel, a student at the language school on Cumberland Place told Echo: "We were sitting in class and two police officers barged in and said we are all going to need you to evacuate.
"I could not believe it. It was very strange and not something that happens every day. It makes you think when they are doing all these roadworks is this going to happen next week or next month will they find something else?"
What the police is saying
Hampshire Police have confirmed to Express.co.uk that they are standing down the incident.
Nearby offices evacuated
People at the University of Southampton's Mayflower gym were told to leave while emergency services arrived.
Nearby office workers were also asked to evacuate their buildings.
People at the University of Southampton's Mayflower gym were told to leave while emergency services arrived. Nearby office workers were also asked to evacuate their buildings.
Welcome to our live coverage
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of this breaking news incident in Southampton.
The Express.co.uk team will provide you with regular updates after the bomb squad was called to the city centre earlier today.
Do you have any photos or information? If so, please email sam.ormiston@reachplc.com