POLICE who evacuated a city centre cinema after an item was found in the toilets said tonight (Monday) it was not suspicious.

The Army's Explosives Ordnance Depot (EOD) was called to the Empire Cinema in Newcastle city centre's The Gate as a precaution and examined the item, which was later removed.

Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable Winton Keenen said: "Public safety is our priority and a section of the cinema was evacuated as a precaution.

"The item has been examined and is not suspicious and the cinema has now fully re-opened.

"We recognise Newcastle is busy and we worked with our partners to keep disruption to a minimum. I'd like to thank the public for their patience and support throughout this incident."