Police evacuate Victoria Centre Nottingham those in flats advised to stay inside as it’s the safest place

The Victoria Centre cordon has now been lifted and the area re-opened after the package deemed not to be a risk to the public.

Police had been involved in an active incident since 5pm however police appeared to upgrade the incident at 8pm after issuing advice for everyone within the area to stay away from the area and for those living within flats nearby to stay in doors as it was much safer.

They released the following advice at 8pm suggesting the incident had been upgraded.

Breaking News @nottspolice Nottingham's Victoria Centre evacuated:
+ Avoid area
+ Follow advice at scene
+ We'll update you ASAP #alert

— Police Hour (@PoliceHour) October 15, 2016

Police haven’t really released much information apart from that a section of the Victoria Centre in Nottingham city centre was evacuated following a report of a suspicious package being found inside.

They began an evacuation at 5.15pm on Saturday 15 October, which meant a number of road closures and diversion were in place on Milton Street. Police requested that members of the public are being asked to avoid the Victoria Centre and Milton Street areas while officers respond to this incident.

However Police appeared to upgrade the incident at 7.40pm releasing an urgent Twitter alert people to avoid the area and remain in their flats as it would be safer.

They advised that a cordon surrounding the Victoria Centre has now been extended to include parts of Upper Parliament Street and Milton Street with a number of shops, businesses and residential properties affected.

Saying “Our officers are working alongside the management at these respective premises to keep them informed and to pass on advice at the scene.
“Residents of the flats above the Victoria Centre are being advised to remain in their properties and to await further advice from police officers and security staff at the scene.”

If you live in Victoria Centre, please stay in your flat, unless told otherwise by the police. This is the safest place for you to remain.

— Police Hour (@PoliceHour) October 15, 2016

Anyone who requires immediate assistance from our officers while being asked to remain in their properties is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on the 101 non-emergency number or, in an emergency, call 999 immediately.
Thank you for your cooperation while our officers continue to respond to this report. We will, of course, update you as soon as we know more.