POLICE have given an update on an incident in Runcorn which saw the bomb disposal squad dispatched to investigate a ‘suspicious package’.

A large emergency service presence was reported near to Runcorn Shopping City yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, including marked and unmarked police cars.

This was due to an incident on Crown Gate, with military bomb disposal in attendance and a police cordon in place from around 2.30pm.

In a statement yesterday, Cheshire Police confirmed its attendance at the scene and that enquiries were ongoing.

A spokesman said: “At 2.30pm on Wednesday, November 20, police were called to reports of a suspicious package at an address on Crown Gate, Runcorn.

“Explosive ordnance disposal has been called to the scene, and a small cordon is in place as a precautionary measure.

“Enquiries are ongoing at this time.”

Now, the force has issued an update this morning, Thursday, confirming that a man from Widnes has been arrested in connection with the incident.

The spokesman said: “At 2.30pm on Wednesday, November 20, police were called to reports of a suspicious package at an address on Crown Gate, Runcorn.

“Explosive ordnance disposal attended the scene and it was established that the item was not suspicious.

“A 50-year-old man from Widnes has since been arrested on suspicion of causing a bomb hoax (placing an article with intent) and wasting police time.

“The man remains in custody at this time.”