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Two suspicious packages found in Exeter prompt evacuation Two suspicious packages found in Exeter 'made safe'
(about 2 hours later)
The discovery of two suspicious packages in Exeter has prompted the evacuation of a school, homes and businesses and street closures. Bomb disposal experts have dealt with two suspicious packages in Exeter, which prompted the evacuation of a school, homes and businesses.
A suitcase with wires hanging out was found attached to St Sidwell's school railings at about 07:00 BST and another was found in a city centre car park.A suitcase with wires hanging out was found attached to St Sidwell's school railings at about 07:00 BST and another was found in a city centre car park.
Bomb disposal experts used a controlled explosion to deal with one device. The second will be dealt with later. Both devices were "made safe" by bomb disposal experts with a controlled explosion used on one package.
Police said they were not currently treating it as a terrorist incident.Police said they were not currently treating it as a terrorist incident.
Armed police, fire crews and sniffer dogs were called in and everyone within 100m of the packages was evacuated from the area.Armed police, fire crews and sniffer dogs were called in and everyone within 100m of the packages was evacuated from the area.
A large section of the city centre has been cordoned off and there has been significant disruption to public transport. A large section of the city centre was cordoned off and there has been significant disruption to public transport.
The first suitcase was found by St Sidwell's School caretaker, Brent Hibbs. A breakfast club was evacuated and the remainder of the 200 pupils and 42 nursery children arriving at the school were moved to safety.The first suitcase was found by St Sidwell's School caretaker, Brent Hibbs. A breakfast club was evacuated and the remainder of the 200 pupils and 42 nursery children arriving at the school were moved to safety.
Head teacher Kathryn Rowden said: "Our staff did an excellent job in evacuating the children quickly and efficiently. I cannot comment on the motive for this.Head teacher Kathryn Rowden said: "Our staff did an excellent job in evacuating the children quickly and efficiently. I cannot comment on the motive for this.
"But I would point out that St Sidwell's is a Church of England school and we have children of all faiths, and some with no faith, who learn together and play together very harmoniously.""But I would point out that St Sidwell's is a Church of England school and we have children of all faiths, and some with no faith, who learn together and play together very harmoniously."
A second suspect suitcase was found at the King William Street Car Park at about 09:15 BST.A second suspect suitcase was found at the King William Street Car Park at about 09:15 BST.
That led to further road closures in the area and the evacuation of homes in and around the city centre.That led to further road closures in the area and the evacuation of homes in and around the city centre.
York Road, at both the Sidwell Street and Longbrook Street entrances, has been closed along with other roads in the area. Exeter, Mid and East Devon Commander Superintendent Keith Perkin said: "Today's events have caused considerable impact to residents and business across the city.
People have been urged to avoid the area. "We don't underestimate how difficult road closures and evacuations can be for local people, but safety of all our communities remains paramount."