Bomb scare at town's post office

By Liz Hearnshaw

THE centre of a busy town was brought to a standstill as police evacuated shops and closed roads following a bomb scare at a post office.

The incident happened at about 1.30pm yesterday when staff at the Cornhill post office in Bury St Edmunds were alerted to a suspect package.

Pedestrians in the town's main shopping streets were ushered away from the area as a 100-metre cordon was placed around the post office as a precaution.

Workers from both the post office and neighbouring stores were moved out of the buildings as large crowds gathered to watch the drama unfold.

Both the Cornhill and St Andrews Street North were closed to traffic for about three hours until the bomb squad from Colchester Garrison arrived to inspect the suspect package and the cordons were lifted.

The package turned out to be “tyre flies”, which are placed on bike spokes and flash when the cycle moves.

Mike Nunn, a spokesman for Suffolk police, said: “At approximately 1.30pm, a member of staff from the post office on the Cornhill contacted police to report they had a suspicious package in their premises.

“As a precaution, the building was evacuated and a cordon was placed around the premises, preventing pedestrians and motorists access to a 100-metre area.

“The bomb disposal unit were called and arrived at 3.25pm. They carried out an examination of the package and deemed it not to be suspicious. The cordon was lifted at 3.40pm.”

He added: “There was considerable disruption in the town centre for members of the public going about their daily business.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but I am sure the public will appreciate that their safety is of paramount importance.”

A spokesman for Post Office said: “I can confirm a suspect package was found inside the branch itself. The police were called at around 1.30pm and dealt with the situation.”

liz.hearnshaw@eadt.co.uk