A security scare rattled Birmingham just a day before the India vs England second Test, as a suspicious package near the Indian team’s hotel triggered a police lockdown in the city center.
The package was spotted close to Centenary Square which led local police to seal off the area and begin emergency checks, briefly disrupting the calm in the city centre.
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As per reports, the hotel where the Indian players are currently staying lies in the same zone only. This development raised immediate concern and prompted security action.
Let’s break down what happened.
Police respond to suspicious package near Indian cricket team’s hotel in Birmingham
According to a post made by Birmingham City Centre Police, the alert came in just before 3 PM local time. Officers quickly moved in to cordon off the surroundings, including parts of Centenary Square, and began investigating.
Several buildings were cleared out as a safety precaution and public was advised to avoid the location altogether while the situation was being assessed.
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The statement shared by the police read, "We've currently got a cordon in place around Centenary Square while we investigate a suspicious package. A number of buildings have been evacuated as a precaution while it's assessed. Please avoid the area."
Was the Indian team affected by the security scare?
As the package was found near the Indian team’s hotel, the players were kept inside, according to sources quoted by PTI. The team management reportedly advised players not to step out of the premises until the situation was fully under control.
A post from Birmingham Police on social media made rounds soon after, and following that, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source confirmed that safety protocols were followed and everyone was safe.
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Roughly an hour after the initial scare, the cordon was lifted. Officials completed their assessment and confirmed there was no longer any threat in the area.