HUNDREDS of people were evacuated from Bolton town centre amid a bomb scare.

Staff were ushered out of the town hall at around 12.30pm today, following reports of a suspicious package being found.

Other shops and offices around Victoria Square were also told to evacuate by police, who later confirmed that nothing suspicious was found when they examined the package.

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RECAP: Victoria Square in Bolton sealed off by police after suspicious package found

AS IT HAPPENED: Videos show how town centre evacuation unfolded​

IN PICTURES: Victoria Square evacuated by police after discovery of suspect package

It is understood that the package was found outside the town hall, near to its north entrance — opposite the old Beales store.

The cordon was lifted at 1.15pm.

A police spokesman said: “A cordon has been lifted in Victoria Square.

“Officers earlier responded to reports of a suspicious package. A cordon was put in place as a precaution and a number of people were evacuated.

“Officers assessed the package and nothing suspicious was found.

“The cordon was lifted and everyone that was evacuated has now been allowed back in to their building.

“Police thank everyone for their cooperation.”

After initially gathering in Victoria Square, council staff were then moved further back by police — who gradually extended the area that was cordoned off as their investigation continued.

As shoppers also gathered around the square, police were heard telling them to ‘disappear somewhere else’ for their own safety.

They then extended the cordon as far back as Heron Foods in Newport Street, the Fred Dibnah statue, and the entrance to the Crompton Place car park.

The offices of The Bolton News, opposite the town hall’s south entrance, were also evacuated and Le Mans Crescent was closed off.

Council leader, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “We had to evacuate in order to make sure people were safe. Our staff are now back in.

“These things do happen sometimes, but you have to stay safe - you can’t take any risks. The council’s procedures worked properly here.”

We understand that council staff were about to be sent home for the afternoon before the cordon was lifted.

A council spokesman added: “A number of staff were evacuated from the town hall as part of a wider evacuation of buildings in the vicinity of Victoria Square, following reports of a suspicious package.

“The evacuation lasted around one hour and normal business resumed as swiftly as possible.”