Update - 19 September 2025 4pm: Following an investigation into the items identified we can confirm the items include a child’s chemistry set. These have no risk to the public.
There remains no criminal offences identified.
We are not actively looking to speak to anyone in relation to the incident.
Update - 10:24am, 11 September 2025
Police investigating the discovery of a suspicious item inside a Whitehaven pub can confirm that a cordon has been lifted.
At 7:35pm yesterday (10 September) police were contacted by staff at The Snecklifter pub on Duke Street regarding concerns about bag containing items which they had found.
As initial enquires were carried out, a precautionary 50 metre cordon was put in place.
This cordon was lifted in the early hours of this morning (11 September).
The items found have been assessed by experts, including staff from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and do not pose any risk to the public.
Initial enquiries have found that the bag had been in the pub for approximately three months.
No criminal offences have been identified at this stage.
Investigative enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances and identify who the items belonged to.
Detective Chief Inspector Paddy McDonnell, Cumberland CID, said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing.“We are aware of speculation on social media which has circulated and understand this may cause concern to residents.
“We can reassure the public that the items found have been assessed by experts and there is no known risk to the public, who can go about their day as normal.
“There remains a police presence in the area as we carry out our enquiries.”
Update - 10:28pm, 10 September 2025
Police are aware of rumours circulating on social media regarding an ongoing incident in Whitehaven.
At 7:35pm today (10 September) police were contacted following the discovery of a bag containing a number of items in The Snecklifter pub on Duke Street.
A precautionary 50 metre cordon is in place whilst assessments about the items are safely conducted.
Police would like to reassure the public that there is no current threat to the wider public.
Chief Superintendent David Pattinson, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We appreciate that the current emergency services activity in Whitehaven and subsequent social media speculation may cause concern for the local community.
“We can reassure people that at this time there is no known threat to the wider public and we ask people to remain calm.
“Assessments are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident, including identifying what the items found are.
“These assessments will take time to safely carry out and a cordon is in place as a precautionary measure.
“We would ask that people avoid speculating to prevent the spread of misinformation. We will provide a further update once facts have been established.”
Initial statement - 9:26pm, 10 September 2025
Emergency services are responding to an incident in Whitehaven following the discovery of a suspicious item.
Police were contacted at 7:35pm today (10 September) following a suspicious item found in The Snecklifter pub on Duke Street.
A precautionary 50 metre cordon is in place whilst assessments are conducted.
Police would like to reassure the local community that agencies are working at pace to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
The cordon is affecting traffic in the area and police ask that members of the public avoid the area whilst enquiries are conducted.
Large sections of the following streets are currently closed:
- Duke Street
- King Street
- Senhouse Street
- New Street
Further information will be issued in due course.