Centenary Square latest after city centre area sealed off amidst 'suspicious package' reports
West Midlands Police, British Transport Police and the Bomb Disposal Unit descended to the scene in Centenary Square in Birmingham just after 3pm.
Members of the public were being warned to avoid the area around Centenary Square in Birmingham as a matter of urgency as police investigated and a number of buildings, including Baskerville House and the library were evacuated.
READ MORE: UK households warned 'keep doors and windows shut' as swarms of bug sweep England
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LIVE UPDATES FROM SCENE: Centenary Square live as Birmingham city centre area sealed off over 'suspicious package'
There was a bomb disposal unit, nine police vehicles at the side and back of Baskerville House and the library and a dog team.
Workers at Baskerville House confirmed to our reporter that they, and those in the library, had been evacuated due to the 'suspicious package' .
A West Midlands Police spokesperson confirmed: "We've currently got a cordon in place around Centenary Square, Birmingham city centre, while we investigate a suspicious package.
"We were alerted just before 3pm, and a number of buildings have been evacuated as a precaution while it's assessed. Please avoid the area."
Some vehicles were trapped in Brindley Drive, inside the cordon.
One woman - a teacher - said she'd been in her car for an hour and 10 minutes and was due to head to take a lesson for Year Seven children but she couldn't get out.
One man who was attending a conference within the library building said they were asked to leave.
Our reporter described a "calm" atmosphere as workers awaited updates from emergency services.
Around ten minutes ago, just after 4:30pm, the cordon was lifted from the scene.
We have contacted West Midlands Police for an updated statement now that the cordon has been lifted.
This is a live unfolding incident, follow our live blog for updates.
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Centenary Square latest after city centre area sealed off amidst 'suspicious package' reports
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