Police update after thousands evacuated from buildings in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham

Thousands of people were evacuated from buildings in and around Chamberlain Square on Thursday morning.

Emergency services were called to reports of a ‘suspicious package’ which was received at the premises of a business in the square, but West Midlands Police have now confirmed that the package has been checked and is not suspicious.

A construction worker said they were asked to leave the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. People sent photos to BirminghamWorld showing people standing in the square with police officers and cordons in place while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The statements from the force, read: “ Emergency services are currently dealing with a suspicious package received at a business premises in Chamberlain Square this morning. The building has been evacuated and road closures are in place until the EOD arrive to examine the package.

“The package has been checked and is not suspicious. All cordons have now been lifted. Thank you for your patience.” Roads around Paradise Circus were closed due to the police incident but have now reopened.