Pictures of the scene have been released after Sunderland City Hall was evacuated on Wednesday (October 12) morning after a ‘credible threat’ was received.

Police units and ambulance crews attended Plater Way in Sunderland at around 8.45am following reports of a ‘major incident’ on the A183.

Specialist officers were also in attendance at the scene near the Holiday Inn, with officers concentrating their searches to Sunderland City Hall and neighbouring buildings.

A police cordon still remains in place this afternoon, while specialist search teams and dog units investigate the incident.

Read more: Sunderland bomb scare: City Hall evacuated after 'credible threat' received

Several major roads have been closed off and some walking routes have been locked down to ensure the safety of members of the public.

Pictures from the scene show a large presence of emergency service workers and a large police cordon – while other images show police officers searching down alleyways and bins.

Sunderland City Council has confirmed that a ‘credible threat’ was received this morning – with council staff alerting emergency services.

Here are the pictures from the scene:

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Pictures: MICHAEL ROBINSON.

A spokesperson for the council said: “City Hall has been evacuated and surrounding roads closed as a precaution following a credible threat received earlier this morning.

“Council officers are working with the police and the City Council is continuing to operate services at near normal levels as possible, with business continuity measures put in place where necessary.”

Earlier today, Northumbria Police said they were alerted to a report of “malicious communications” – while adding: “Emergency services are at the scene, and we are investigating the matter further.

“As a precaution, the building has been evacuated and some temporary road closures have also been put in place in the surrounding area with diversions provided.

“We would subsequently ask the public to avoid the area and we thank you for your cooperation.”

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service later confirmed that the building was evacuated due to a "bomb threat" at Sunderland City Hall.

They added: "We received calls this morning to an incident on Plater Way in Sunderland.

"We currently have seven ambulance resources at the scene supporting police colleagues.”

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