Cordon lifted in Sunderland city centre as police satisfied 'suspicious item' was not an explosive

A man has been arrested after police found a “suspicious item” in his possession after he walked into a Sunderland police station armed with metal baton.
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The cordon set up in the city’s Waterloo Place on Tuesday, March 17 has now been lifted.

Earlier today, a man entered the Sunderland Central Police station shortly after 2.45pm on Tuesday armed with a metal baton.

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Just after 7pm, Northumbria Police said: “The city centre cordon will now be stood down and we are satisfied that the item was not an explosive.

“The man remains in police custody at this time and will continue to assist officers.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their cooperation and patience.”

While the man was being searched, officers discovered a “suspicious item” in his bag, prompting the force to shut the station and block off the surrounding area.

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Police confirmed that the 48-year-old man has now been arrested.

A police cordon in Sunderland city centre.A police cordon in Sunderland city centre.
A police cordon in Sunderland city centre.

A spokesperson for the force said: “A man has been arrested after police found a suspicious item in his possession in Sunderland.

“Shortly after 2.45pm today a 48-year-old male was arrested for possessing an offensive weapon after entering Sunderland Central Police station on Waterloo Place with a metal baton.

“The male was detained and taken to custody but while he was being searched, officers found a suspicious item in his bag.

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“As a precaution, police have contacted bomb disposal teams who are assisting officers.

The cordon was put up on Tuesday, March 17 following an incident.The cordon was put up on Tuesday, March 17 following an incident.
The cordon was put up on Tuesday, March 17 following an incident.

“A cordon is currently in place in the city centre while inquiries are ongoing and officers remain in the area to offer any reassurance.

Train services and the Metro network were temporarily stopped as officers carried out inquiries, but have since been restored to full service.

“We would like to apologise for any disruption caused and would like to thank residents, commuters and the wider community for their ongoing support.”