Update: Kingston station evacuated after security alert (From Surrey Comet)

Update: Kingston station evacuated after security alert

11:01am Thursday 17th January 2008 in Kingston By Guardian Reporter

The town centre was brought to a standstill last night when a bag was abandoned outside Kingston station.

Police carried out a controlled explosion, heard by passers-by for some distance, on a suitcase which had been left outside. After the explosion the package was found to be non-suspicious.

No trains were allowed to stop at Kingston station, instead being diverted through Norbiton, and traffic was diverted away from the town centre.

Witness Tim Meaden, 26, from Southfields, was one of hundreds of people evacuated from the Rotunda's Odeon Cinema, halfway through watching a film.

He said: "The cinema had quite a good atmosphere, everyone was laughing and joking and they said we would get refunds.

"But when we got nearer the station we realised it was a bit more serious.

“Kingston police would like to remind all residents and visitors not to leave their valuables and property unattended when travelling.”

Chief Inspector Cliff Law

"People wanted to know what happened and we weren't told. Everyone was thinking it was terrorism.

"When we heard a bang it sounded quite far away so I was reassured by that."

Chief Inspector Cliff Law said: "Kingston police would like to remind all residents and visitors not to leave their valuables and property unattended when travelling."