A BOMB squad had to be called to deal with a suspicious package found close to a city centre.

The package was found in Westgate Road, Newcastle, at about 1.43pm yesterday.

An army bomb disposal unit from Catterick was called and a 60-year-old man has been arrested.

Police officers said there was no risk to the public and the army bomb disposal unit had been called as a precaution.

The road was closed around the junction with Beaconsfield Street.

Detective Superintendent Mick Paterson, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are continuing to deal with an ongoing incident on Westgate Road, Newcastle.

“As a precaution, the army bomb disposal unit have been contacted.

“There is no wider risk to the public and a police cordon is currently in place. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area as enquiries continue.”

Nobody was injured.

Anyone with any concerns is asked to speak to a nearby officer.

The road was still closed last night.