Squad detonates ‘hoax’ package

A bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion in a Sunderland street following the discovery of a suspicious package.

Northumbria Police officers were called to King’s Place and Paxton Terrace, in Millfield, at around 12.40pm yesterday after a “suspicious package” was found in a back lane.

A cordon was put in place and nearby residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution to enable investigations at the scene.

Northumbria Police has since confirmed that it believes the item to be “part of a hoax” with further forensic work expected to take place in due course.

Both police and bomb disposal teams left the area shortly before 5pm.

A force statement said: “The cordon at Paxton Terrace in Sunderland has been removed and residents are now allowed back in their homes. We’d like to thank residents in the area for their patience and cooperation during the incident.

“After further assessment, we now believe the item to be part of a hoax and that it posed no threat to the public. Forensic analysis will be carried out on what is left of the item to see if those involved can be identified.”

Witnesses reported seeing a “robot” sent in to carry out the explosion, and hearing a “loud bang”.

A woman who lives nearby told the Echo: “I was shocked when I heard the noise, all the car alarms started going off and the dogs were going mental. I heard police were telling people to stay in their homes. It's not something you expect. It was quite scary.”