Plymouth Royal Mail sorting office evacuated over suspicious package

The Plymstock Royal Mail sorting centre was evacuated while specialist officers carried out an investigation

A Royal Mail sorting office has been evacuated over a suspicious package.

A potential exposure to anthrax triggered emergency services to attend the Plymstock Mail Centre in Breakwater Road, Plymouth, at about 07:30 BST, South Western Ambulance Service said.

Royal Mail said it was closed over an "identified suspicious parcel", but police later allowed work to resume.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident was being treated "as a hoax" and a man had been arrested.

Safety precaution

Witnesses reported seeing police, ambulances and fire services at the scene.

Specialist hazardous response units were also sent to the sorting centre, with mail lorry drivers told to wait outside.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the building was cleared as a public safety precaution and there was not believed to be any wider risk to the community.

No-one was taken to hospital, the ambulance service said.

Royal Mail confirmed the office was "temporarily closed" while police investigated the incident.

It said: "The police gave the all-clear, and staff were able to return to the building and resume work."

Devon and Cornwall Police said no hazardous substances were found and cordons were lifted by 14:00.

Officers said: "The incident is being treated as a hoax and a 35-year-old man from Plymouth was arrested in connection with our inquiries.

"He remains in custody for questioning."