Atria Watford was evacuated over a “suspicious item” this morning, Herts Police have confirmed.

The force were called to the High Street shopping centre at around 10.30am (December 4), with reports of the unknown object being found.

The shopping centre was quickly evacuated before police put a cordon in place around the area, leaving a large crowd of shoppers waiting outside in High Street, while officers and security closed off the entrance.

(Image: Watford Observer Camera Club/Sarah Clarke)

(Image: Cllr Asif Khan) “Following a quick investigation, the item was declared non-suspicious, and the cordon was taken down at around 11.20am,” a spokesperson said.

“We’d like to thank people in the area for their cooperation as we dealt with this situation.”

Herts Fire and Rescue do not appear to have been called out to respond to the item.

Update: A spokesperson for atria Watford said: "We have re-opened at 11.26am today following an evacuation and it is now business as usual in the centre.  

"We’d like to say sorry to any shoppers who had their visit disrupted and thank them for their co-operation during the evacuation."

Watford MP Matt Turmaine said: "The incident was handled very professionally.  

"Whilst it was doubtless inconvenient, especially at this time of year, it is always better to be safe than sorry."