Lockdown at Durham police station after 'historical explosives' handed in
Bomb disposal experts complete a controlled explosion in a sports ground after a historical device was handed into police.
Monday 6 November 2017 23:52, UK
Durham city centre was in lockdown on Monday evening after historical explosive devices were handed in at a police station.
Several nearby office buildings were evacuated as bomb disposal experts worked to remove them.
Experts carried out a controlled detonation in a nearby sports ground.
Police said the items were handed in to the front desk at the station.
A statement from Durham Police said: "A number of historical explosive devices have been handed in to Durham City Police Station.
"Bomb disposal experts from Catterick Garrison are currently on scene and are facilitating the safe removal and disposal of the devices.
"As a precaution, a cordon has been set up and surrounding buildings have been evacuated."
Police reported the road closures were lifted at 5.30pm.
Chief Inspector Stephen Ball said: "If you find any potentially dangerous items that you would like to hand over to police, please leave them where they are and contact 999.
"We will attend to make sure that the items are properly and safely disposed of."
An ambulance also attended, but no one needed medical treatment.