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Stratford's Westfield shopping centre evacuated over reports of 'suspicious package' Stratford's Westfield shopping centre evacuated over reports of 'suspicious package'
(35 minutes later)
Thousands of shoppers and members of staff were evacuated from a London shopping centre near London’s Olympic Park today during a security alert.Thousands of shoppers and members of staff were evacuated from a London shopping centre near London’s Olympic Park today during a security alert.
Police were sent to the Westfield Shopping centre in Stratford in response to reports of a suspect package.Police were sent to the Westfield Shopping centre in Stratford in response to reports of a suspect package.
All shops in the precinct were closed, and the building was cleared of shoppers and staff for over two hours while the emergency services worked behind fire screens, the Metro reported.All shops in the precinct were closed, and the building was cleared of shoppers and staff for over two hours while the emergency services worked behind fire screens, the Metro reported.
A Met spokesman said: “Police were called at 12.10 to reports and officers remain on the scene. The shopping centre was fully evacuated at 13.45.”A Met spokesman said: “Police were called at 12.10 to reports and officers remain on the scene. The shopping centre was fully evacuated at 13.45.”
The force later tweeted that the situation had been “stood down” and thanked those involved for their co-operation. All I wanted to do was take my mum shopping! Westfield stratford evacuated due to suspect package. pic.twitter.com/JzJv7Gf1B3
The force later tweeted that the situation had been “stood down” and thanked those involved for their co-operation. Tfl also posted a message on the social media website confirming that Westfield Avenue had re-opened.
Police called to Westfield Stratford this afternoon. Evacuation took place but incident has now been stood down. Thanks for your cooperationPolice called to Westfield Stratford this afternoon. Evacuation took place but incident has now been stood down. Thanks for your cooperation
A section of the shopping complex near Marks and Spencer was cordoned off by police, according to witnesses on the scene, the Evening Standard reported.A section of the shopping complex near Marks and Spencer was cordoned off by police, according to witnesses on the scene, the Evening Standard reported.
One bystander tweeted: “Westfield Stratford evacuated until further notice... Unknown hidden mystery device found.”One bystander tweeted: “Westfield Stratford evacuated until further notice... Unknown hidden mystery device found.”
Westfield said shops had since reopened. Westfield said shops had since reopened.