BOMB SCARE
Man arrested as ‘suspicious package’ is found
A BOMB disposal team descended on Newcastle’s West End as a “suspicious package” brought the area to a standstill on Friday.
Northumbria Police arrested a 60-year-old man after being called to a disturbance on Westgate Road at around 1.45pm.
When they arrived on the scene officers found a suspicious package and cordoned off the area.
No-one was injured but a bomb disposal unit from the British Army was called to the scene as a precaution.
The Royal Logistic Corps Bomb Disposal team, believed to be from the Catterick Garrison base in North Yorkshire, arrived on Westgate Road shortly after 4pm.
They left around an hour later after examining what appeared to be a rucksack on the street.
A 60-year-old man was arrested and remained in police custody last night. Police said he was currently assisting officers with their inquiries.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said yesterday: “At 1.43pm today (Friday), police received a report of a disturbance on Westgate Road, Newcastle.
“Officers attended and found a suspicious package. A man has been arrested and is currently in police custody.
“The road is currently closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area as inquiries are ongoing.”
In a later update, Detective Superintendent Mick Paterson, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are continuing to deal with an ongoing incident on Westgate Road, Newcastle.
“As a precaution, the Army bomb disposal unit have been contacted.
“There is no wider risk to the public and a police cordon is currently in place. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area as inquiries continue.”
Westgate Hill Primary Academy, which was in the cordon area, released this statement to parents: “There is currently a police incident on Beaconsfield Street – children are not at any risk.
“The Beaconsfield Street gate will remain closed and parents are asked to collect their children via the Tamworth Road/Bishops Avenue gates.
“This will undoubtedly cause major traffic issues. It is highly recommended you pick up your children on foot due to the huge levels of traffic expected.
“If you have to come by car, please be patient and respectful to other drivers and homeowners.”
One local resident said: “The police have said to everyone to move out. My car was parked outside the fruit and veg shop, and they asked me to move it because the bomb squad were coming to take a look.”
Another passer-by said: “I came up the street and suddenly saw all of these police cars. There’s about eight or nine.”