Charlotte police department EVACUATED as bomb squad investigate suspect package
POLICE were forced to evacuate from their headquarters in Charlotte after a bomb squad were called in to investigate a suspect package.
Aerial footage from Charlotte as suspicious package found
Officers in North Carolina had to leave the building for more than four hours as bomb-sniffing dogs were drafted in to investigate the incident.
Streets surrounding the building were cordoned off as specialist officers investigate the scene.
Police said a "shoebox-sized" package was sent to their headquarters around 4.30pm, local time.
Charlotte police headquarters has been evacuated
The package was reportedly found around the same time activists entered the building
The discovery was made moments after activists entered the building to deliver demands to the Charlotte police chief Kerr Putney, according to officers.
But it is not clear if the package was found in the same area as the protesters of if there is any connection.
CMPD spokesman Rob Trufano said: “Out of abundance of caution, we've evacuated the building… determine if anything nefarious with that package or anything suspicious.
"Once we get some resolution, we'll get people back in the building."
Charlotte police sparked riots last week after shooting dead Keith Scott who officers said was armed with a handgun.
The site has been cordoned off
Police have made 80 arrests since the riots began last week
But many believed he was unarmed and has led to a host of violent clashes between citizens and police on the streets of the city.
More than 80 arrests have been made in the past week since Mr Scott’s controversial death.
The riots have escalated and resulted in one man being killed in what police claimed was a “civilian on civilian” attack.
After spending a day in a critical condition, Justin Carr, 26, was pronounced dead last Thursday night.
Police have tweet that the bomb squad are investigating the scene
The streets in North Carolina have been filled with protesters
But reports from eye witnesses contradicted police claims the man was shot by a civilian.
Mr Putney, said the force is investigating the incident further, adding: "We're here to seek the truth, so we're investigating that to find the truth, the absolute truth as best as the evidence can show us.”