Hamilton police investigate suspicious package near Centre Mall

Update:  Businesses and roads are now opened after suspicious item determined not dangerous.

#BREAKING: scene all clear. Plaza reopening fully shortly @CHCHNews

— Diana Weeks (@dweeks_CHCHnews) April 23, 2019

Police were called to the mall on Barton St. at 8:54 a.m. Tuesday to investigate a suspicious package. Businesses in the mall and Barton St. between Ottawa and Kenilworth were closed.

HPS is currently investigating a found package in the area of Centre Mall. Barton Street East between Ottawa Street North and Kenilworth Avenue North is closed. Please avoid the area until further notice. Expected heavy police presence. #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/9gNC9nBxXH

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) April 23, 2019

A person called police after finding the package and thought it appeared suspicious. Officers, Emergency Response Unit and K9 were called to the scene and determined the item was not dangerous. Police say no local businesses were targeted and no threats were received.

Police, fire and EMS all staying close, robot sent off from command centre. Police keeping people far back within Plaza but letting people walk along far side of Barton. @CHCHNews @CHCHTV #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/k9WmVP5c11

— Matt Ingram (@MattIngramNEWS) April 23, 2019