Suspicious bag in Whitehaven pub found to pose no risk
The cordon was removed in the early hours of this morning
A police cordon in Whitehaven has been lifted after a bag discovered in a town centre pub was found to be harmless.
Staff at The Snecklifter on Duke Street raised concerns around 7:30pm yesterday evening after finding a bag containing items they thought could be suspicious.
A 50-metre safety cordon was put in place while specialists, including bomb disposal experts, carried out checks.
The cordon was removed in the early hours of this morning.
Police say the items do not pose any risk to the public, and enquiries so far suggest the bag had been in the pub for around three months.
No criminal offences have been identified, but investigations continue to establish who the items belonged to.
Detective Chief Inspector Paddy McDonnell from Cumberland CID said they are aware of speculation online, but stressed there is no known danger and people can go about their day as normal.
Officers remain in the area while enquiries continue.