Major alert as shopping centre sealed off and bomb squad called in
A SHOPPING centre has been sealed off after a host of suspicious items were found.
An army bomb squad has arrived in Smethwick
Surrounding roads were shut while the army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were sent to the scene.
The discovery was made in a nearby flat.
The Hazardous Area Response Team was scrambled to West Cross Shopping Centre on Oldbury Road and carried out an initial examination.
Force Incident Manager, Chief Inspector Sean Phillips, said: "I recognise the impact the evacuation will have on local people and I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
"The safety of the public is our primary concern and we’re working closely with our partners to minimise the effect on the community and thank everyone for their understanding and patience.
"We hope to have the area returned to normality as soon as possible."
The shopping area in Smethwick near Birmingham
There has been a 100-metre cordon placed around the shopping centre
The cordon has now been lifted and police confirmed there was no danger to the public.
A police spokesman said: “A cordon at the West Cross Shopping Centre on Oldbury Road in Smethwick has been lifted.
“A search of the property has since found nothing that poses any danger. The area is safe and no further police action will be taken.
“We recognise the impact the evacuation will have had on local people and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”