Buildings evacuated as 'suspicious package' found in Durham city

A multi-emergency service response was called to Freemans Place, near the HM Passport Office, at around 1.30pm after receiving reports of the item.

The area was evacuated as a precaution and people were urged to avoid the area of the city until further notice. A road closure and cordon was in place but has since been lifted.

Fire crews and police officers were also called to the scene.

Read more: Durham incident LIVE - Potential 'suspicious package' found in city centre

A spokeswoman for Durham police said: "Police were called to reports of a potentially suspicious package in the Freeman’s Place area of Durham City at around 1pm today.

"Emergency services attended and concluded there was no cause for concern.

"The cordon was lifted shortly before 4pm."

The incident is on Freeman's Place, near the Walkergate area of Durham city (Image: Google)

Shortly after the incident, a County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, spokesperson, added: “Fire Crews are currently at the scene of an ongoing incident in Durham City Centre

We were alerted to reports of a suspicious package in the Freeman's Place area of Durham City Centre earlier this afternoon (Tuesday, November, 15).

“As a precaution, the area has been evacuated and there is currently a road closure and cordon in place on Freeman's Place. Fire crews from Durham and specialist officers are currently at the scene along with emergency services colleagues carrying out enquiries. We would ask the public to avoid this area of the city until further notice.”

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