City Hall reopens: Man arrested for “malicious communication”

A 67-year-old has been taken into custody over reports of “malicious communication”.

The man remains under police watch following reports of “malicious communication” which led to the evacuation and temporary closure of City Hall and other parts of the city centre.

The Northumbria Police confirmed a 67-year-old man had been arrested following an investigation into a malicious communication directed towards City Hall, on Plater Way, on Wednesday.

“We can confirm that precautionary measures put in place at City Hall on Plater Way in Sunderland following a report of malicious communications made earlier today (Wed) have been stood down.

“The building and surrounding roads have re-opened and the cordon removed.”

Sunderland City Council evacuated City Hall over what it described as a “credible threat.”

Consequently, police cordons and road closures were put in place in the surrounding area, and people were asked to avoid them.