Cops stand down after Shopping centre in Hertfordshire was evacuated because of ‘suspect package’

COPS have reopened a shopping centre which was evacuated after a suspect package sparked a terror alert.

The Galleria Outlet Centre in Hatfield, Herts. was cleared with bomb squads arriving at the scene shortly after 2.30pm.

It is thought a staff member at the centre which has shops such as Waterstones and Bench raised the alarm.

A statement from Hertfordshire police said: "Police received a report of an abandoned and locked suitcase at the Galleria shopping centre in Hatfield at around 11.30am today (sat).

"Officers attended immediately and set up a cordon around the object. This cordon was then expanded, and as a result the building was evacuated and roads in its immediate vicinity closed.

"An Explosive Ordinance Disposal team have been in attendance and have carried out a number of controlled explosions inside the centre.

"Following this work and subsequent investigations, we are now content that the object is safe and was not a suspicious device of any kind.

"Within the hour cordons have been lifted and roads in the area have now been opened again. Shoppers can now enter the building at the north entrance.

"Police would like to thank staff at the centre and members of the public for their patience and cooperation throughout this operation.

"Officers remain in the area this afternoon as a reassurance measure."

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