Updated | Police give all clear as package turns out to be empty

Members of the AFM Bomb Disposal Unit prepare to investigate the suspicious package in Republic Street

The Bomb Disposal Unit have given the all clear after investigating a suspicious package near a letter box in Republic Street. The package turned out to be empty.

Police closed off part of the street and nearby banks and shops were evacuated whilst the Bomb Disposal Unit inspected the package, which had been reported by a warden.

The risk of serious injury did not deter the throngs of curious onlookers, who were repeatedly warned to stay behind the police cordon.

The bomb squad gave the all-clear approximately 40 minutes after the initial report.  Asked what had been found in the package, the Police Inspector in charge at the scene told this newspaper that the package had been found to be empty.