Bomb squad sent to Trentham Gardens car park as 'suspicious package' found

A police cordon was set up near Trentham Gardens last night after a "suspicious package" was found inside a car.

The discovery was made following a routine traffic stop by officers at 11.15pm. A BMW was stopped on the A34.

Police say the "suspicious package" was found after the vehicle was searched on the Trentham Gardens car park.

Officers said that three people have been arrested.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "In order to ensure the safety of the public, we set up a cordon in the area as a precaution and contacted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EoD) to assess the package at the scene.

"The item has since been removed from the area. There is no wider threat to the public and the cordon has been stood down.

"A 43-year-old man, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, a 41-year-old man, from Stone, and a 37-year-old woman, from Abergele, have been arrested on suspicion of possessing an explosive instrument.

"All three remain in custody while enquiries continue."