Staffordshire Police responding to 'suspect package' in Hanley

There are reports that Staffordshire Police are responding to reports of a 'suspect package' in Hanley Credit: BPM Media

Staffordshire Police responded to reports of a 'suspect package' in Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent this morning.

Part of the city centre were been cordoned off by police, including Huntbach Street and Ratton Street.

Hanley Job Centre and Hanley Health Centre, including Lloyds Pharmacy, were evacuated.

Teams have now confirmed the item is 'not suspicious'.

Streets have been cordoned off Credit: BPM Media

Army personnel and West Midlands Ambulance Service were seen in the area.A witness, who works in a nearby building, said: "Upper Huntbach Street has been closed off by the police.

"We have been told that we may be evacuated but no reason has been given and we have been told to stay at our desks at the moment."

Staffordshire Police said: “Police were called at 9.20am this morning (Thursday 21 July) to reports of a suspicious object on a car park on Upper Huntbach Street, Hanley.

“As a precautionary measure, Hanley Job Centre and Hanley Health Centre, including Lloyds Pharmacy, have been evacuated and a cordon was set up around the immediate area.

“The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended and confirmed the item is not suspicious.”