A BOMB scare caused chaos in Liverpool city centre yesterday – with roads sealed off and buildings evacuated – when an unattended suitcase, which contained wires, a clock and a phone, was found at the National Express coach station, on Norton Street.
Police said they were dealing with a suspect package as the station and the surrounding roads of Fraser Street and Camden Street were evacuated and sealed off from around 11.20am.
The cordon was later widened to other roads including London Road and Islington.
Just before 3.30pm, a controlled explosion was carried out. Shortly after the cordons were lifted and people were let back into their homes and work places.
The scare caused traffic jams throughout the city centre for several hours.
The security guard who found the suitcase was Gezim Puca, while working for GDM, which covers National Express stations.
He said: “A man approached me asking if he could leave his luggage, which was three suit cases, in the station. I said ‘no’ but he then asked a fellow passenger to watch them and left.
“The passenger told me, as he wanted to go. We told the police and together me and the officer opened one case, which had a phone, clock and wires in it.
“We were worried and the police saw it as suspicious, so they sealed off the area shortly afterwards.”
A businessman who runs a company on Fraser Street waited outside the cordon all afternoon to be let back into his office.
He said: “I have worked around here for 40 years and nothing on this scale has ever happened.
“I got a knock on the door from the police telling me to evacuate at about noon, so I have none of my belongings with me, not even any cash, so all I can do is wait for them to let me back in.
“People from all over the place come to this station so I suppose it is a prime target.”
Kevin Turner was fixing a boiler in the station when it was evacuated. He could not get home because his car was trapped within the cordon.
He said: “There were 60-odd people in that place, so I don’t think you can take any chances – if they are going to do anywhere, it is going to be a coach or railway station.
“I am just hanging around, waiting to get my car back. I might stay in a hotel tonight because I am from Newcastle and it will take ages to get home.
“I was supposed to pick my daughter up from school but my wife has had to leave work early to do it”.
Kath Jackson, from Dovecot, was left waiting for a bus. She said: “It is really frightening. We’ve had two scares close together now.”
“It just reminds you of Warrington and the IRA bomb – it makes you realise that we are a target, just like London. It makes me scared for my children growing up.”
National Express buses continued to run from outside St Georges Hall.
A 17-year-old man is being interviewed by police as a result of this incident. He has not been arrested in connection with any offence.
Assistant Chief Constable Patricia Gallan thanked the public for their patience.
She said: “I would like to issue my sincere thanks to the public for their vigilance, co-operation and patience today.
“The primary concern of Merseyside Police is the safety of public and this is why it was necessary to implement a series of road closures.
“The suitcase left at the bus station did give us some cause for concern. As is procedure in this situation, the Army carried out a controlled explosion but I am pleased to report its contents did not pose a threat to the public.
“It should be reiterated that the public do have a responsibility not to leave luggage unattended. Particularly in the current climate, it is essential that everyone acts responsibly about their belongings in public places.”
Council leader’s thanks and appreciation
LEADER of Liverpool council Warren Bradley said: "Thousands of people faced severe disruption in being evacuated from their homes and workplaces.
"Many more had their travel plans severely disrupted as a consequence of the evacuation and the security cordon thrown around the area.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the patience and understanding shown by everyone who had to put up with the delays and upheaval today.
"The paramount concern of the police and emergency services is the safety of everyone in the city. The heightened security situation in the country means we have to take every threat and every possible danger very seriously. We cannot take chances with people’s lives.
"Today’s incident, closely following the evacuation of Liverpool John Lennon Airport earlier this month, is a reminder of the dangers we all face. I would ask the people of Liverpool to remain vigilant at all times and to report anything suspicious to the police.
"These security incidents are likely to cost businesses in the city thousands of pounds.
"It is a cost they could well do without. However, our economy is robust and growing and I know just how resilient commerce in the city is and I am confident business will bounce back even stronger."
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