Sunderland City Hall evacuated as 'credible threat' received

Police have closed roads in Sunderland city centre following reports of "malicious communications".

Sunderland City Hall has been evacuated due to a "credible threat" which was received this morning, a spokesperson for Sunderland City Council said.

A 67-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, a spokesperson for Northumbria Police said.

Emergency services are on the scene and there is a large police presence in the city centre.

Northumbria Police said it was contacted just before 8:25am about reports of "malicious communications" relating to a premises in Plater Way.

The building has been evacuated and roads in the area are closed.

A spokesperson for Sunderland City Council said: "City Hall has been evacuated and surrounding roads closed as a precaution following a credible threat received today.

"Staff are working with the police, we are continuing to operate services at near normal levels as possible, with business continuity measures where necessary."

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "An investigation was launched following reports of malicious communications directed towards City Hall on Plater Way, Sunderland.

“A 67-year-old man has now been arrested and remains in police custody at this time.

“A number of precautionary measures have been put in place while emergency services remain in the area and we’d like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation at this time.”

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