A spokesman for the University of Worcester, said: "An area of the University of Worcester's St John's campus was partially cordoned off as a precaution after a suspicious package was found, this afternoon.

"The emergency services were called and this area of campus was evacuated as a precaution.

"All students, staff and visitors in the affected areas have now been moved to other locations on campus.

"We followed our very detailed evacuation procedures with the safety of our staff and students paramount. We're updating our staff and students as the situation progresses, everyone has been moved to safety.

"It may be a few hours before the specialist police team dealing with the device can pronounce it harmless or render it so.

"In the meantime a 100m security cordon is being preserved on the campus by the West Mercia Police and a small number of immediately adjacent residential properties.

The University has extended the opening hours of its cafeteria and with the Students' Union has ensured that facilities are kept open.

"Regular updates on the situation will be posted on the University's website www.worc.ac.uk

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