Suspect package found by postman - bomb disposal unit called

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Suspect package found by postman - bomb disposal unit called

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/897 ... it_called/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A BOMB scare brought Horwich to a standstill as businesses were evacuated and a busy main road closed.

Postman Ian Platt discovered the suspicious package as he was emptying the post box in Winter Hey Lane, Horwich, just before 3pm this afternoon.

The 40-year-old immediately used his van to block the road while he waited for police and bomb disposal experts to arrive.

Police evacuated all the surrounding businesses and put a 100 metre cordon in place as a massive investigation was launched and the package made safe.

Mr Platt, of Oxford Grove, Bolton, said: “I was emptying the post box when I found a box about the size of a mobile phone, wrapped in brown paper with two wires coming out of it and attached to two nails, next to the post box.

“It was taped up with black masking tape. I did panic and dropped it on the floor, but then rang the police and blocked off the road.”

Staff from offices, businesses and restaurants were all evacuated.

Panof Iouroutziatziatis, from the Sokrates Greek restaurant, said: “They told us to get out of the premises, we do not open until 6pm so we luckily and didn’t have any customers in.”

Chef at the restaurant, Anthony Cartwright, added: “I was scared when they told us we had to be evacuated.”

Another nearby office worker, who did not want to be named, said: “It frightened me to death, especially when I saw there were police everywhere.”

Army bomb disposal experts were called to the scene and removed the package for further investigation.

And business owners were allowed to return to the premises at 6.20pm and the cordon was lifted at just after 6.30pm.

Supt Steve Nibloe, said: "I understand this caused disruption to businesses and traffic but our priority is to ensure the safety of the public.

"It is important to stress that we do not know what the package is but rest assured we are taking all appropriate steps to resolve the situation safely and as quickly as possible.”

In October 2009 about 30 homes had to be evacuated after a suspicious package was found strapped to a post box in New Street, Blackrod.

And last Friday Bolton town centre was brought to a standstill when a suspicious package was found outside the benefits office.

[viking]

Thankfully he wasnt hurt, but no doubt he will STILL be questioned by his Dim as to why he went over his time!!!

[hans solo]

also bomb scare at kilwinning ayrshire ,police and bomb disposal units called suspect package prob petrol bomb