St Andrew’s Street North in Bury St Edmunds sealed off due to report of ‘suspicious packages’ with bomb squad called and buildings evacuated

A bomb squad was called to Bury St Edmunds town centre, buildings were evacuated and a key road sealed off due to a report of ‘suspicious packages’.

St Andrew’s Street North was closed from Risbygate Street with multiple police vehicles, two fire engines and the ambulance service at the scene.

A cordon was initially in place from Sergeants Walk and was then moved further up towards Risbygate Street. The cordon was also at the junction with Tayfen Road.

A police spokesperson said they were called at 10.04am to a report of suspicious packages in the Triton House area.

The cordon was lifted at about 2.15pm and for an update click here.

Triton House is home to the county court, family court and Bury St Edmunds Regional Divorce Centre.

They said the building involved and neighbouring buildings, including some residential properties, were evacuated while investigations were under way.

The bus station was evacuated and closed.

Explosive Ordinance Disposal was contacted and attended.

A road closure was in place and police asked residents and motorists to avoid St Andrew’s Street North.

Among those evacuated was Andrew, who works at Bury St Edmunds Jobcentre Plus at St Andrews House next to Triton House.

He said he saw emergency services arrive at about 10am and two firefighters came in to evacuate the building.

Staff at the Jobcentre have had drills to prepare them for such incidents, he said.

Terry Heritage, a bus driver for the 753 between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury, said when he arrived the emergency services were already there.

He was told to leave his bus, evacuate and that diversion routes would be put in place.

Adie’s Barber Shop is closed for the day after being evacuated at 10.45am.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said they sent one ambulance, two paramedic cars and three Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles to the court offices in St Andrew's Street North following reports of suspicious packages.

Two patients were assessed at the scene, but no further action was required.

Additional reporting by Martyna Wiecha.