Bomb squad and robot scrambled to County Durham town as evacuation ordered

Bomb squad and robot scrambled to County Durham town as evacuation ordered Robert Terrace in Shield Row, Stanley, has been taped off and people have been asked to stay away from the area after a 'suspicious item' was found People are being evacuated following the discovery of a "suspicious item" in the North East, as a bomb squad and a robot have been called in. Robert Terrace in Shield Row, Stanley, is currently cordoned off as investigations are ongoing. Durham Constabulary confirmed around 60 homes have been evacuated. A spokesperson for the force said: "We currently have a cordon in place around Robert Terrace in Shield Row, Stanley, while we investigate a suspicious item. Around 60 homes have been evacuated, with residents being directed to The Louisa Centre, in Front Street, for assistance. "Emergency services, including the Bomb Squad, are currently on scene and working as quickly as they can to assess the item. We are asking people to stay away from the area at this time. Updates will be provided as soon as possible." Pictures from the scene show a Ministry of Defence (MoD) Bomb Robot being controlled via a remote control, with bomb disposal officers also present. A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service explained that the service was called to the scene just after 1pm today and a 100-metre cordon is in place. They added: "One fire engine from High Handenhold is at the scene and the crew is expected to be there for some time." North East Ambulance Service is also present, ChronicleLive reports.