Bomb squad called to Cambridge after suspicious package found
A BOMB squad were called to Cambridge after a suspicious package was found at Kings Parade this evening.
A bomb squad has been called to Cambridge this evening
Parts of Cambridge University have been evacuated as a cordon is put in place around Kings Parade.
Witnesses reported hearing two explosions in what police later confirmed as controlled eplosions.
A police spokesman said officers were called to King’s Parade at 7.42pm after reports of a suspicious package was discovered.
Residents reported being told to get out of restaurants and nearby businesses and to leave the area.
One student told Varsity newspaper: "I grabbed my creme brulee and ran."
Gonville & Caius, one of the university’s colleges, confirmed students were evacuated.
Police have cordoned off parts of Cambridge city centre
One resident told Cambridge News: “I was eating in the Cambridge Chop House about 7.15pm when I saw a police car drive past towards the dead end side of King’s Parade.
“I thought that was slightly unusual because there’s nothing down there normally. I then saw an unmarked police car go past a few minutes later.
“Then police cordoned off the road. A policeman came in and we were then all evacuated.
“It’s a scary incident for sure, it’s unusual for Cambridge.”
Police in Cambridge after a suspect package was found
Gonville & Caius tweeted: “Our students all safe but those in St Mike's & Mary's have been evacuated as precaution after suspect package found on King's Parade.”
They later added: “Evacuated students are safe in Old Courts. Those in West Road have been able to return to their accommodation. Updates as we get them.”
A third tweet posted soon after said: “Our Rose Crescent students are safely with others in Old Courts. Those not in evacuated accommodation have bn able to leave via Trinity Lane.”
Cambridge police at the scene after a suspect package was found
Cambridge Police said: “We have been called about a suspicious device in Cambridge. The area around Kings Parade has been evacuated as a precaution
“There has been a controlled explosion at Kings Parade, Cambridge. No further explosions are anticipated.”
The cordon has now been lifted and police have been stood down.