Center Parcs guests in Elveden told to stay in lodges after customer ‘overheard someone mention a suspect device’ - but no suspicious items found, police say

Hundreds of people at Center Parcs in Elveden have been evacuated. Picture: John Nice Archant

Police were called to Center Parcs in Elveden and hundreds of people told to stay in their lodges after a customer “reported overhearing someone mention a suspect device”.

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CenterParcs refused to disclose any info other than a major incident. We were evacuated from Village Square. Very Scary. Kids frightened — Natsie (@Nat_Tee19) July 23, 2017

LATEST: Center Parcs apologises for disruption caused by evacuation at Elveden Forest resort after customer overheard someone mention a suspect device

Suffolk police were called to the scene at about 8pm last night, and Center Parcs evacuated its main square.

Shops and restaurants were evacuated, along with several hundred swimmers who had been in the nearby pool complex. People were told to return to their lodges and await information.

This is the latest update on our villa TV pic.twitter.com/4BUpd4GU0d — Abby✨ (@abbythomps0n) July 23, 2017

Police have now confirmed the incident was sparked after a customer reported overhearing someone mention a “suspect device” - but that nothing suspicious was found.

A spokesperson said: “The area has been evacuated as a precautionary measure and, as part of their protocol, Center Parcs staff searched the premises but no suspicious items have been found.

“Police are currently on the scene investigating the incident however at this stage there is no evidence to suggest there is a threat to the public.”

They confirmed that a bomb squad had not been called to the scene.

@CenterParcsUK seriously unimpressed with lack of information! Channel 6 nor twitter has any update - it's been 2 hours!! #centerparcs — Linda Grainge (@lindakimou) July 23, 2017

Earlier on Sunday evening, the team at Elveden tweeted to say: “Due to an incident in the village square, the area is closed for the remainder of this evening. We will update once we have more information.”

Center Parcs told people to watch the park’s television channel for updates and an alarm told people to evacuate.

They tweeted again at 11pm to reiterate the message - but provided no more information for guests.

Some of those staying at the park took to Twitter to seek information and share frustration at the lack of information.

Officers are investigating after someone overhead mention of a suspect device at #CenterParcs Elveden. Nothing has been found — Suffolk Police (@SuffolkPolice) July 23, 2017

Ellingham Eggs tweeted: “Some information on what is happening would be very much appreciated.”

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