Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from the station’s entrances as specialist officers assessed what was described as a hand grenade on platform 1.
They have now confirmed that the object was a cannabis grinder that looked like a grenade.
British Transport Police says:
“The item has now been assessed and deemed non-suspicious. It is a cannabis grinder designed to look like a grenade.”
“The item has now been assessed by specialist officers and is no longer being treated as suspicious.
Destination boards warn of limited service Credit: Ryan Underwood
New Street station will reopen soon.
Passengers on busy trains heading to New Street said conductors were alerting them to reports of a hand grenade on one of the platforms.
British Transport Police teams said earlier:
“Officers received a report of a suspicious object on a platform in New Street Birmingham at 3pm today (October 31).
“The station has been evacuated as a precaution and cordoned off while specialist officers attend to assess the item.”
Eyewitnesses on social media, including Joe Street, posted that police were moving people away from the station entrances.
Passengers are warned of disruption for the rest of the day.
Travelers are advised to check National Rail Research for the latest travel updates.
Which routes are affected?
Avanti:
All lines are blocked and services are diverted. Birmingham New Street & Sandwell and Dudley will not be served until further notice.
West Midlands Railway:
Trains are stopped in the area and where possible will return to the nearest alternative station. Valid rail tickets accepted on @nxwestmidlands local bus routes.
National Rail has published that Birmingham New Street passengers can use their ticket on the following services: Chiltern Railways via any reasonable route Great Western Railway via any reasonable route LNER between York and Edinburgh LNR and WMR via any reasonable route
