'Huge' evacuation in Birmingham city centre due to police incident
A "huge" evacuation was ordered in Birmingham city centre following reports of a suspicious package.
The evacuation of a number of Birmingham city centre buildings was ordered on Thursday as police cordoned off the Birmingham Town Hall.
The evacuation was ordered at around 10.30am due to reports of a suspicious package, representatives at the Council House were also ordered to leave.
Officers confirmed just after midday to confirm the package was not suspicious and all cordons had been lifted.
On Twitter, Birmingham Police wrote: "Emergency services are currently dealing with a suspicious package received at a businesses premises in Chamberlain Square this morning.
"The building has been evacuated and road closures are in place until the EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] arrive to examine the package."
On Twitter, West Midlands Roads wrote: "Paradise Circus Birmingham. Roads closed to traffic and pedestrians.
"Ongoing West Midlands Police incident in the area. Avoid the area, or expect delays."
Adjacent buildings to the City Hall were also evacuated, including the Library of Birmingham and a number of offices on Broad Street and the corner of Paradise Forum.
The incident has since cleared, with West Midlands Roads reopening the roads passing through Paradise Circus.
West Midlands Roads added: "Paradise Circus incident has been resolved, and cordons are being lifted."
