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Police rushed to the scene and quickly put a cordon in place.
ByMieka Smiles, News Reporter, Kris Boratyn, Audience Writer
The building is located at Lingfield Point in Darlington and police are currently on the scene. (Image: Express)
The Student Loans Company building in a northern town was evacuated on Monday afternoon following the discovery of a "potentially suspicious package".
Police and bomb disposal units rushed to the scene to investigate.
Following a thorough investigation, the package was deemed not suspicious.
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.
Kris Boratyn
Thank you for following our coverage
Thank you for following our coverage of the incident in Darlington.
Police have now deemed the package not to be suspicious.
Kris Boratyn
Package 'not suspicious'
According to the police, the package that was found is "not suspicious".
Kris Boratyn
Bomb disposal experts on scene
Specialist bomb disposal teams have been pictured outside the Memphis building in Darlington.
At least three police vans and two squad cars are visible as officers guard the area.
The scene remains cordoned off and the public is being urged to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing.
Kris Boratyn
Witness describes moment of evacuation
A person inside the building when the alert was raised said the evacuation happened quickly.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, they said: “At about 10.20 today we were all told to evacuate the building.
"A lot of us didn’t think it was bad so have left our things in there, which is annoying. Just hoping all is okay.”
Kris Boratyn
Staff evacuated as police confirm incident
Durham Police has confirmed officers are responding to an incident at the Student Loans Company building.
A force spokesperson said: “A potentially suspicious package was discovered shortly before 10am this morning.
"The area is being evacuated as a precaution, and a cordon is in place while emergency services carry out enquiries.”
Kris Boratyn
Bomb squad called to Darlington after 'suspicious package' found
Emergency services have descended on Lingfield Point in Darlington after a “potentially suspicious package” was discovered this morning.
The area around the Memphis building, which houses the Student Loans Company, has been cordoned off and evacuated as a precaution.
Police and bomb disposal teams remain at the scene.
Kris Boratyn
Statement from Durham Constabulary
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "Officers are currently dealing with an incident at The Student Loans Company at Lingfield Point in Darlington.
"A potentially suspicious package was discovered shortly before 10am this morning.
"The area is being evacuated as a precaution, and a cordon is in place while emergency services carry out enquiries.
"Please avoid the area while we deal with the incident, and we will update with further information as soon as possible."
Kris Boratyn
Good afternoon
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the incident unfolding in Darlington.
Stay with us as we bring you all the latest information.
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