Liverpool bomb alert: 'Man with suspect package' arrested after prompting lockdown at Silkhouse Court

A man who sparked a bomb scare in Liverpool has been arrested by armed police. Scores of police and helicopter were scrambled to a business address in Liverpool after he claimed to be in possession of a suspect package. Emergency services were called to Silkhouse Court in the city after a fire alarm prompted an evacuation of the building.

Merseyside Police sent in negotiators and after four hours the man was arrested. "A man has been detained following an incident at a business premises in Silkhouse Court, Tithebarn Street, Liverpool today, Friday, 8 January," a police statement said.

"He will be taken to a police station on Merseyside where he will be questioned. No one has been injured during the incident and the site will remain cordoned off until a search of the premises has been completed. Thanks to residents, businesses and motorists for their continued patience."

Offices at Silkhouse Court, in Tithebarn Street, had earlier been evacuated after officers were called to the scene at about 10.30am on Friday (8 December) following reports of a man acting suspiciously and claiming to be in possession of a suspect package.

The building's fire alarm was activated by staff before all employees made their way out of the block. A number of road closures in were put in place and police advised motorists to avoid the area.