BREAKING: Liverpool in lockdown amid bomb alert as police talk to man with suspect package

ANTI-terror police have been scrambled to a law firm in Liverpool and specialist negotiators drafted in after a man claiming to have a suspect package locked himself into the building.

Liverpool is on lockdown over a bomb alert

Staff at MSB Solicitors at the 14-storey Silkhouse Court in Liverpool evacuated themselves and called police after they spotted a man acting suspiciously.

Police arrived at the scene in Tithebarn Street at about 10.30am today after they were also told he had a suspect package.
The solicitors specialise in family and criminal law, but it is not known if there is any specific connection to the incident.

The fire alarm had been activated by staff and all employees have since been fully accounted for.
A bomb disposal team has also arrived at the scene.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "The man is still inside the building and negotiators are seeking direct contact with him, in order to safely resolve the situation."

Bystanders look on

There are a number of road closures in place, they are Tithebarn Street, Old Hall Street at the junction with Union Street.
Police are advising drivers to avoid the area and seek an alternative route.
 
There is also disruption at Chapel Street, George Street and Exchange Street at the junction of Dale Street.
An entrance to Moorfield staton is also closed due to its proximity to the incident.

Police have scrambled to the area

Stephen Ullathorne, who works in the Tempest Building within the police cordon, said: "We have heard literally nothing.
"My office is in the Tempest Building so within the police cordon, but we haven't been asked to evacuate or given any information at all."

A map of the area

Merseyside Fire and Rescue confirmed they are also in attendance at the incident.

A passerby, aged 36, told Express.co.uk: “The offices are just two minutes away from where I work and I walk past it every day.

A bomb disposal team arrives at the scene

“Apparently he just walked into the law firm offices and said he had a suspect package, threatening people inside.

“Staff activated a special alarm and the police were called.

The city centre is a hub of police activity

“Everyone inside the building has been accounted for but he’s still in there.

“We don’t know whether it’s some idiot off the street or a geniune threat.

“Living and working in a major city these days it is in the back of your mind like something like this could happen. We’re all on alert.”

City centre has been cordoned off