Flats cordoned off after 'suspicious device' found

A police cordon has put in place around a block of flats following reports of a "suspicious device" inside a property.

South Yorkshire Police said officers had been called to Washington Road, in the Sharrow area of Sheffield, at about 11:00 GMT.

The force said properties within the 50m (164ft ) cordon had been evacuated, with members of the public being advised to avoid the area.

A police spokesperson said a 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill in connection with the incident.

The force said facilities were available at Sharrow Community Forum for anyone asked to leave their home.

Washington Road has been closed to traffic as a result of the incident. Sharrow Primary School is not affected.

In a statement, police said: "A cordon remains in place on Washington Road in the Sharrow area of Sheffield this afternoon while emergency services respond to a report of a suspicious device within a residential property.

"Properties within the cordon are being evacuated. SYP and Sheffield City Council officers are at the scene to provide advice to those who have been asked to leave their homes."

They added: "The cordon is currently 50 metres but is subject to change based on assessments."

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