Whitehaven town centre shut down over child’s chemistry set

A “suspicious item” that triggered an operation to shut down parts of a town centre was a child’s chemistry set, police have said.

Cumbria Police placed a cordon around The Snecklifter pub on Duke Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria, on the evening of 10 September, after reports that a bag containing suspicious items had been discovered.

Police drafted in experts, including an explosive ordnance disposal team, but had warned the public against speculating online about the bag’s contents.

A spokesman said force could now confirm the items included a child’s chemistry set, which posed no risk and no criminal offence had been identified.

“We are not actively looking to speak to anyone in relation to the incident,” they added.

Police had been called at 19:35 BST, with a cordon in place until the following morning.