Skip to content

Men arrested over bomb hoax outside shop

Jonny ManningNorth East and Cumbria
News imageGoogle A Nisa Local store in Birtley. The modern shop front has been build into a two storey red-brick building. A white van is parked outside.Google
A "suspicious package" was taped to a bollard outside the Nisa store (stock picture)

Two men have been arrested after what appeared to be a fake bomb was found strapped to a bollard outside a shop.

Police were called to Durham Road in Birtley, Gateshead, at 08:20 GMT following reports of a "suspicious package" in front of the Nisa store.

The area was cordoned off and a number of buildings were evacuated, Northumbria Police said, as an army bomb squad was called in to destroy the item, which "did not present a risk".

A man in his 40s and another in his 20s were arrested on suspicion of placing a hoax bomb with intent. Both remain in custody.

News imageKirstie Broome A black square box strapped to a metal bollard with white tape. It is outside a Nisa store.Kirstie Broome
The package, which did not pose a risk, was taped to a bollard outside the shop

A video published on social media showed a remote controlled bomb disposal vehicle was used to destroy the package.

"After ensuring the area was safe, Explosive Ordnance Disposal were stood down and the cordon removed," a force spokesperson added.

"The area has fully re-opened to residents."

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

Related internet links