By MARK DUELL

Almost 40 homes near a mosque were today being evacuated after a suspicious item was found.

Police were called to Rutter Street in Walsall, West Midlands, at 10:45pm last night following the discovery in the building’s grounds. The item was then brought inside by a member of the public.

Officers immediately went to the scene and cordoned off an area around the building. Police, other emergency services and army bomb disposal experts were in the area this morning.

The evacuation of 39 homes in the immediate area near the mosque was ordered. The measure was ‘precautionary and temporary’ while a further examination of the item took place.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: ‘People in the affected area and who are unable to make alternative arrangements are being taken to Walsall Town Hall where they will be cared for.

‘Officers are continuing to work hard to establish what the item is and how it got there. Local officers remain at the scene and are talking to local people to keep them up-to-date and offer reassurance.’

Walsall Council was working with the emergency services to support local people and minimise local disruption. Anyone with information which may help was asked to call police.

A 40-metre section of the road, in the Caldmore area of Walsall, remained cordoned off this morning and two uniformed Army personnel were at the scene.

Police investigators were also still outside the Aisha Mosque, including one officer wearing a blue full-length forensic suit, who could be seen taking photographs of areas of interest near the building.

 

Source: Daily Mail