EVACUATION at Conservative Club - Hazmat team rush to immigration minister HQ in Romsey
THE DISCOVERY of a “suspicious substance” at the office of immigration minister Caroline Nokes sparked an evacuation in Romsey today.
Suspicious substance found at office of Caroline Nokes
Police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to Ms Nokes’ office at the Conservative Club in Romsey.
At least one building in the area was evacuated, officials confirmed.
Romsey Police said: "We have been called to Market Place, Romsey, following the discovery of a suspicious substance.
"Officers are currently at the scene with colleagues from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service to deal with this incident.
Emergency services in Romsey following the discovery of a 'suspicious substance'
"An address has been evacuated as a precaution."
Ramsey Council tweeted: “Due to an ongoing incident in the Market Place involving all blue light services there are roads obstructed by emergency service vehicles.
"Please avoid area for the time being.”
ITV reported a "powdery substance" was discovered in an envelope by a member of staff.
Hazmat crews at the Conservative Club in Romsey
The area was placed in lockdown as police as hazmat teams carry out investigations.
People were told to avoid the area.
Police later said the incident had been stood down and the substance was not found to be dangerous.
A statement said: “We were called to Romsey Conservative Club, Market Place, at 11.19am today following the discovery of a suspicious substance within an envelope.
“Officers attended the scene with colleagues from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service, as is routine with this type of incident.
Hazmat investigators at the Conservative Club in Romsey
“A cordon was put in place as a precaution while tests were carried out to establish what the substance was.
“Following those tests we can confirm that the substance is not hazardous and there is no risk to the public.
“The cordon is being lifted and we will have some officers remaining at the scene to conclude our enquiries.”
It comes after Ms Nokes was embroiled in the Windrush scandal, which has seen British citizens who migrated to the UK decades ago threatened with deportation.
Ms Nokes appeared to confirm British citizens may already have been deported and said: “And I’m very conscious that it’s very much in error and that’s an error I want to put right.”