Shopping centre and passport office evacuated after man makes bomb threat
STAFF and shoppers were evacuated from a shopping centre in Peterborough at the same time a man made a bomb threat at the local passport office.
Peterborough shopping centre evacuated after ‘incident’
John Lewis was cordoned off and shoppers were ordered to leave Queensgate shopping centre.
Around twenty police officers were called to the scene, according to local reports.
A police spokesman said: "A 100 metre has been put up around John Lewis and any shops within that area have been evacuated. "
Queensgate shopping centre has been evacuated
A 100 metre cordon has been placed around John Lewis
Seemed a bit odd when we was shopping in there as metal shutters came down on the middle floor
Police were alerted to the incident at John Lewis at 10.50am after reports of a suspicous bag.
In a seperate incident, Peterborough's nearby passport office in Tresham Road was also evacuated after a man made a bomb threat.
A Cambridgeshire police official said: "We were called at around 12 to reports of a suspicious incident at the passport office.
"Staff were evacuated as a precaution.
"Officers attended and a man has been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax."
Officers responding to the incident at John Lewis, said police were alerted to a “suspicious incident”.
What's happening at John Lewis Peterborough ?
— JunkStar (@JunkStarGB) June 5, 2017
Just been evacuated from Peterborough passport office as some bloke threatening to bomb the place!! pic.twitter.com/wjiK9xPk6A
— Mitchell Parker (@mpavfc2) June 5, 2017
After investigations, the bag was found not to be suspicious.
The local bus station was also evacuated for a short period of time.
Topman and Fatface were among the shops in the area that were also evacuated.
What on earth is happening in #Peterborough today. Queensgate and passport office were evacuated. Distractions?
— Kayleigh Stephens (@Ksb_1985) June 5, 2017
Eyewitness John Buxton told Peterborough today: More police arriving as being ushered out. All staff walking towards Brewery Tap.
"Seemed a bit odd when we was shopping in there as metal shutters came down on the middle floor.”
A police spokesman told Express.co.uk the cordon has now been lifted and a John Lewis official said the store has now reopened.