October 9, 2018 4.09 pm This story is over 65 months old

Suspicious package turns out to be shopping after city lockdown

People’s travel plans have been severely affected
The bomb disposal squad moves out after the package was assessed. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite

Lincoln is returning to normal after being plunged into chaos when a suspicious package was found on an incoming bus on Tuesday afternoon.

As previously reported, a police cordon extended across much of the city centre when the package was handed in by a bus driver at Lincoln Central station.

The bus and train station were evacuated, along with Lincoln Central car park, and a number of surrounding roads were closed.

Bomb disposal units were deployed to the scene along with emergency response teams.

Photo: The Lincolnite

Several bus and train staff mentioned at the scene that the package “had wires coming out”, but fortunately the situation was resolved and police confirmed it “wasn’t dangerous in any way”.

Cordons were lifted after Lincolnshire Police said the package was a person’s shopping and included electricals, but it was a “genuine mistake”.

Chief Inspector Stewart Brinn told Lincolnite reporters at the scene the package has been handed in by a bus driver at the station.

He confirmed “this was a genuine mistake. It was not a bomb or a hoax and the cordons have now been lifted.”

He also thanked the public for their vigilance and praised “good natured” officers and staff.

There will be no criminal investigation following the incident.

Public transport was severely affected and there will be some delays to services, as well as roads in the city centre and to the south for the remainder of the day.

The bus station re-opened after 3.30pm, with services aiming to be back to normal within 90 minutes.

Lincolnshire Police live from the scene of the suspicious package at Lincoln Bus Station

Posted by The Lincolnite on Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Police statements

Lincolnshire Police said: “We are pleased to say the suspicious package has been assessed and it wasn’t dangerous in any way.

“The cordon has been removed and people should continue with their day as usual.

“Motorists travelling during the next hour (up until 4.30pm) should seek alternative routes if possible. Those travelling from the South of the city to the North will be best to use the bypass, and if you’re travelling in the opposite direction, please travel via Bardney.

“After 4.30pm please use your normal routes but allow extra time for your journey.

“If you are intending to use bus or rail services please check availability with the provider. Thanks to everyone for your patience and cooperation.”