Police have arrested a 67-year-old man following a ‘bomb threat’ in Sunderland City Centre earlier today (October 12).

The A183 was closed this morning due to a police incident in the area which was first reported at 8.45am – which saw a large presence of emergency service vehicles.

Police and the ambulance service were both at the scene near the Holiday Inn following a bomb threat at Sunderland City Hall.

Read more: LIVE: Sunderland city centre bomb threat: Road closed and building evacuated

A police cordon still remains in place, while specialist search teams and dog units investigate the incident, while numerous people watch on from neighbouring buildings.

Police have now confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “An investigation was launched following reports of malicious communications directed towards City Hall on Plater Way, Sunderland.

“A 67-year-old man has now been arrested and remains in police custody at this time.

“A number of precautionary measures have been put in place while emergency services remain in the area and we’d like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation at this time.”

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Earlier this morning a spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service later confirmed that the incident 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.”

Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

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