Buildings evacuated as cops swoop on major city centre to probe ‘suspicious package’ as shoppers urged to stay away

BUILDINGS near a city centre have been evacuated after a “suspicious package” was discovered.

Birmingham City Centre Police were alerted just before 3pm today.

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The Centenary Square in Birmingham[/caption]

Cops shut down Centenary Square, near the busy Birmingham New Street station.

The force has urged the public to avoid the area.

A statement on social media read: “We’ve currently got a cordon in place around Centenary Square, Birmingham city centre, while we investigate a suspicious package.

“We were alerted just before 3pm, and a number of buildings have been evacuated as a precaution while it’s assessed.

“Please avoid the area.“