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Two suspicious packages found in Exeter prompts evacuation Two suspicious packages found in Exeter prompts evacuation
(about 1 hour later)
Two suspicious packages, including one with "wires hanging out", have been found in Exeter, prompting a primary school and streets to be evacuated.Two suspicious packages, including one with "wires hanging out", have been found in Exeter, prompting a primary school and streets to be evacuated.
The suspect package with "wires" was found beside railings at St Sidwell's school at about 07:00 BST and another was found in a city centre car park. The suspect suitcase with "wires" was found attached to St Sidwell's school railings at about 07:00 BST and another was found in a city centre car park.
Explosives experts have been called to the scene around York Street and armed police are patrolling the area. Bomb disposal experts have been called to the scene around York Street and armed police are patrolling the area.
Residents living nearby were also evacuated from the area. Homes and businesses in the area have been evacuated.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the "second suspect package" was found at the King William Street Car Park at about 09:15 BST. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the suspect packages were suitcases but said at this stage they are not treating it as a terrorist incident.
The force said: "This has resulted in further road closures in the area and evacuation of a small number of local properties." Everyone within 100m of either package has been evacuated from the area, which has caused significant disruption to local public transport services.
The first suitcase was found by St Sidwell's School caretaker, Brent Hibbs, and the 200 pupils and 42 nursery children were evacuated.
Head teacher Kathryn Rowden said: "Our staff did an excellent job in evacuating the children quickly and efficiently. I cannot comment on the motive for this.
"But I would point out that St Sidwell's is a Church of England school and we have children of all faiths, and some with no faith, who learn together and play together very harmoniously."
A "second suspect package" was found at the King William Street Car Park at about 09:15 BST, which led to further road closures in the area and the evacuation of homes in and around the city centre.
York Road at both the Sidwell Street and Longbrook Street entrances have been closed along with others in the area. People have been urged to avoid the area.York Road at both the Sidwell Street and Longbrook Street entrances have been closed along with others in the area. People have been urged to avoid the area.