[Scarlett.]

Police negotiators are talking to a man inside a factory who is believed to have an explosive device.

Roads sealed off in factory alert

The man entered Alfred Knight metal works in St Helens, Merseyside, around midday, prompting bosses to evacuate the works.

Police say they are talking to the man, who was described as "acting suspiciously" and armed officers have surrounded the premises.

Workers have been evacuated from the building in Prescot Road, and locals roads sealed off.

Superintendent Peter Edge, of Merseyside Police said: "All employees have been evacuated and fully accounted for.

"The man is contained in the main office block of the building.

"Negotiators are in direct contact with him in respect of his intentions.

Alfred H Knight headquarters

Alfred H Knight International's headquarters in St Helens

"No-one is injured and at this point there is no immediate risk to the public in the surrounding area."

Mr Edge added that a small number of residents were evacuated to a nearby college.

Students there were delayed getting home because of major traffic disruptions caused by road closures around the factory, but Mr Edge assured parents there was no threat to them.

Earlier in the day, Gaynor Tomlinson, who lives near the spot, said a policeman outside her house told her the suspect entered the works with explosives "strapped to his back".

Dozens of police officers stationed at points nearby the factory blocked roads and paths leading into the wide cordon zone.

Bomb disposal teams from the Royal Logistics Corps were seen leaving the area later.


Sky News

[Harry!]

Oh dear, Not good news I guess