Man arrested over reports of 'suspicious device' and threats to kill after police seal off Sheffield flats
A man is in custody over reports of a “suspicious device” which resulted in police sealing off a block of flats in Sheffield.
Residents have been evacuated and armed police, ambulances and the fire service have set up an extensive cordon near the Lansdowne Estate, off Washington Road, Sharrow.
Now, South Yorkshire Police has confirmed a 56-year-old man is in custody over reports of a “suspicious device” and allegedly making threats to kill.
A spokesperson said: “A cordon remains in place on Washington Road in the Sharrow area of Sheffield this afternoon while emergency services respond to a report of a suspicious device within a residential property.
“Properties within the cordon are being evacuated. SYP and Sheffield City Council officers are at the scene to provide advice to those who have been asked to leave their homes.
“A 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and is in police custody.”
Sharrow Community Forum, on South View Road, is currently being used as an evacuation centre for residents forced out of their flats.
The spokesperson said: “If there are any changes to this, we will share these as soon as we are made aware. Ongoing assessments will determine if the cordon needs to be reduced or extended.
“Sharrow Primary School is unaffected.
“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.”