A POLICE cordon has just been lifted following a suspicious package being seen near the Armed Forces Recruitment Centre in Woodstock Road, Oxford.

The arterial route and neighbouring Little Clarendon Street were closed for about 45 minutes.

The cordon was lifted at about 11.10am.

It is understood the scare was over a package near the centre. In February last year an explosive device was sent to the centre.

Both Oxford Bus and Stagecoach services were diverted away from the scene.

Staff at Carluccios said they were told it was due to a bomb threat at the Army Recruitment building in Woodstock Road. 

Justina Stasiunaite, who works at the deli, said staff were evacuated from the deli because of a black holdall left next to a blue car, which was parked outside the Royal Bank of Scotland bank in St Giles, which is next to the Army recruitment office.

Ms Stasiunaite added that eight staff were working at the time of the incident.

“The police came in and told us to go out and we had to go over the other side of the road,” she said.

A member of staff at Taylors deli in St Giles said: “We were asked to leave the shop for about an hour but we have just been allowed back in and are busy serving customers.”

The staff member added: “Last year we had the same thing when everyone was evacuated for six hours.

“Last year it was real but this time it was a fake.

“Maybe somebody just forgot their bag.

“It’s good they took it seriously – we don’t want to explode.”

Taylors sandwich bar tweeted to their customers: "Both of our St Giles Shops have been evacuated due to bomb threat at Army Recruitment building next door. We will let you know once reopen."

A number of police officers were at the scene and the cordon was extended along Little Clarendon Street. 

Oxford Bus Company has said its City6 and 300 Park & Ride services were diverted via Canterbury Road and Banbury Road inbound and via Banbury Road and St Margaret's Road, outbound.