Suspect package sparks traffic chaos

A bomb alert closed roads and disrupted bus services in the Black Country today after a passenger reported a suspect package on a double-decker today.

Passengers were evacuated and explosives experts called in during the drama on the Number 9 Stourbridge to Birmingham bus.

A number of residents were evacuated and looked after at Stourbridge Town Hall until the incident had ended.

The report of a package sparked a major operation by the emergency services as Birmingham Street and Foster Street East, Stourbridge, were closed to traffic.

It caused traffic chaos around Stourbridge Ring-Road and bus services to the town were diverted to alternative stops.

Catherine Hickman, West Midlands Police spokeswoman, said the suspect package had been reported at 11.45am.

Passengers were evacuated from the bus and cordons were set up around the scene.

Bus driver Clive Challenor who was at the scene said: "As far as we know a package was spotted on the upstairs of the bus and was reported to the driver.

"The passenger, a young lad, then called for the police on his mobile phone."

The roads remained closed this afternoon while army bomb disposal experts were called to carry out an controlled explosion.