Teenager arrested after bomb threat at West Bromwich shopping centre

New Square was evacuated on Sunday afternoon as police worked with security staff to search the site.

West Midlands Police confirmed that nothing suspicious was found.

A teenager was arrested on Sunday evening on suspicion of making false and malicious communications.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "We were called to New Square, West Bromwich, at just after 3.30pm on Sunday after a bomb threat was received.

"Officers attended and liaised with security staff as the centre was evacuated and a search was completed. Nothing suspicious was found."

"Following further enquiries we arrested a teenager yesterday evening on suspicion of making false and malicious communications.

"He remains in custody today as the investigation continues."

New Square announced on social media at around 7.14pm on Sunday that it had re-opened.

A statement by the shopping centre on X, formerly Twitter, read: "New Square was evacuated this afternoon as a precaution and following advice from West Midlands Police.

"The centre has now reopened. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but, as always, the safety of our customers and staff working at the centre is our priority."

A pub located at New Square, The Interceptor, was forced to temporarily close as a result of the evacuation.

A post made by the pub on Facebook at around 4.18 on Sunday read: "Due to a full evacuation of the new square site our doors are currently closed

"As soon as we have any updates on getting back open we will update the Facebook page."

The pub later confirmed at around 6.40pm that it was back open to diners.