Homes in Blacon were evacuated this evening (Thursday, May 26) while bomb disposal experts tackled a suspicious package.

Police received reports of the suspicious package outside an address on Muir Road, Blacon, at 4.20pm.

An area at Muir Road in Blacon was cordoned off while police dealt with a suspicious package
An area at Muir Road in Blacon was cordoned off while police dealt with a suspicious package

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “As a result of the incident a small cordon was put in place around the Muir Road area and a small number of properties were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

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“A number of roads in the local area were closed as a result of the incident.”

The Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal squad at the scene in Muir Road in Blacon
The Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal squad at the scene in Muir Road in Blacon

The Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal squad were called to the scene as local residents gathered around the cordoned off area, which also affected Blacon Point Road, to see what was going on. The operation involved the use of a remote controlled robot device.

However, shortly after 6.30pm, the police removed the cordon and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

DI Karen Jaundrill of Chester Police said: "Following examination the EOD have confirmed that the package found on Muir Road, Chester, is not suspicious.

"All of the cordons have now been lifted and residents in the area have returned to their properties. We would like to thank them for their patience and support.

"We are grateful to the member of the public for their vigilance in reporting this, and remind anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it on 101, or on 999 if you are concerned there is an immediate threat."