A "suspicious package" that was blown up at The Mall near Bristol was not terrorism-related, police have confirmed.
Avon and Somerset Police cordoned off part of the Cribbs Causeway shopping centre on Saturday (March 27) and brought in a bomb disposal team to carry out a controlled explosion.
In an updated statement shared with Bristol Live this afternoon (Monday, March 29), a force spokesperson clarified that the incident "is not terrorism linked in any way".
The package was reported to police at about 2pm having been discovered by security staff.
It was not found inside the shopping centre itself, but at a loading bay outside.
Staff and shoppers were evacuated from inside as a precaution, and a cordon was put up near John Lewis, which is among the shops still operating there during lockdown for click and collect.
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Police have not yet confirmed what exactly was inside the package, but said the contents "did not pose a significant threat to persons or property".
The spokesperson added: "The controlled explosion took place at the location as EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) deemed that it was safe to do so.
"A very limited number of people – mainly staff – were evacuated as most of the centre is currently closed to the public."
Most shops at the shopping centre in South Gloucestershire are closed due to the ongoing national lockdown.
However, several shops including Boots, M&S Food Hall and Superdrug are open for essentials, and others including John Lewis are still operating click and collect services.
The shopping centre has been contacted for further comment.
