‘Suspicious Package’ Prompts Major Response

Police say a suspicious package found in the car park of Gartree Prison was not of any concern.

The discovery just after midday prompted a major response from emergency services, with a cordon put in place, residents living close to the jail evacuated and roads closed.

Some prison staff were also evacuated.

Crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene along with police officers.

The all-clear was given just before 3pm.

Police at the scene of the road closure on Gallow Field Road

Leicestershire Police received advice from an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) during the incident.

A police spokesperson told HFM: “Officers were called to HMP Gartree, Market Harborough, just after 12pm today (Tuesday 11 March) after concerns were raised about a suspicious package in the car park.

“After enquiries at the scene and with specialist agencies it was confirmed that the package was not of any concern.

“Local road closures were in place and some homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated, anyone who was displaced has since been allowed to return home.

“An investigation is ongoing into the report.”

Police at the scene of the road closure on Gallow Field Road

Gallow Field Road was closed between the B6047 and Foxton Road during the incident.

The Prison Service told HFM a small number of staff were evacuated as a precaution while the incident was ongoing, but have now returned to their roles.

A spokesperson added: “An incident at HMP Gartree has now been resolved with no injuries to staff or prisoners”