The Oracle in Reading has been evacuated

Police are investigating a suspicious package

THAMES Valley Police have closed down the Oracle, Reading and surrounding streets due to a suspicious package.

Police arrived on site at 9am and evacuated restaurants and shops in the Oracle and The Riverside.

The Oracle car park is closed as is Gun Street, Castle Street, Bridge Street and Minster Street.

A police spokesman said: "Thames Valley Police officers were called today at about 9am following reports that a suspicious item had been found in the Oracle shopping centre, Reading.

"Officers have attended the scene and the Oracle Centre and nearby restaurants have been evacuated as a precaution.

"A cordon has been put in place and officers are working to establish the nature of the item."

UPDATE 1:10pm

At approximately 12:45pm the Army Bomb Disposal unit arrived at the Oracle and a bomb disposal robot was sent in.

Thames Valley Police have tweeted: "Our officers remain at the scene at the Oracle shopping centre, Reading as we deal with a suspicious item. We'd like to thank everyone for their continued patience as we deal with the incident."

There are no indications as to when the cordon will be lifted and the shops and restaurants re-opened.

UPDATE 4:35pm

The cordon on Bridge Street, Castle Street and Gun Street has been lifted, but the car parks are still not open. Discussions are underway about when they will be open to allow people to retrieve their cars.

UPDATE - 5:35pm

All roads and carparks have now been reopened.

A spokesman for The Oracle said: ""The remainder of the centre remains closed while we continue to work with the police and we are grateful for everyone's patience."