Bomb Squad set off 'controlled explosion' at Notts shopping centre
Bomb disposal experts set off an explosive device at the Sutton shopping centre which was evacuated after a scare.
Police cordoned off the area and evacuated shoppers and staff at around 1.50pm today (Monday, May 23) after an unidentified package was found in public toilets.
The shopping centre remained closed for the rest of the day as a bomb squad was called in to make the area safe.
Nottinghamshire Police said officers reacted quickly to evacuate the area around the market square, and they have since sent out an update on the incident.
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They said: "A controlled explosion was carried out this afternoon following the discovery of a suspicious package at Idlewells Shopping Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
"The package was subsequently found to be non-suspicious and was no danger to the public.
"We thank the public for their patience with this matter and reiterate our warning to people not to leave bags or any other items unattended in public places."
The incident follows reports of numerous bomb threats across the UK, made to 25 different schools.
These included a message sent to Crabtree Farm Primary School in Bulwell - but Police said they were not treating the incidents as connected.
An officer added: "The incident at Crabtree was based on a telephone message that the school received - the school was evacuated and thoroughly searched and no package was found.
"Children returned to school at around 1.50pm."