Police are evacuating residents and have placed a cordon around Washington Road over reports of a 'suspicious device'. placeholder image
Police are evacuating residents and have placed a cordon around Washington Road over reports of a 'suspicious device'. | Iconic Media

Pictures show armed officers swarm Sheffield flats as residents evacuated over reports of 'suspicious device'

Armed officers raced to a block of flats in Sheffield this morning and residents were evacuated over reports of a ‘suspicious device’.

At around 11am, South Yorkshire Police announced that a 100m cordon had been put in place around Washington Road, Sharrow, as the force investigated reports.

Peoplewere dvised to avoid the area, as emergency services including firefighters and paramedics responded.

Officers on the scene have told Star reporters that they expect the cordon to be extended.

Armed police carrying guns were seen walking around a nearby block of flats as residents were evacuated earlier.

A force spokesperson said: “We are currently responding to an incident at a residential property on Washington Road, Sheffield.

“It follows reports that there may be a suspicious device within the property.

“Emergency services are in attendance and a 100m cordon has been put in place as a precaution. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.”

First Bus have announced that the 56 service will be diverted until further notice.

An announcement from the public transport operator added: “Washington Road has been closed by South Yorkshire Police.

“Services will be diverted via Cemetery Road and Sharrow Lane in both direction until further notice.

“We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. “

More to follow.

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