LIVE: Darwen town centre taped off amid huge emergency service presence

Police have taped off part of Darwen town centre with a huge emergency service presence at the scene.

It has been reported that a cordon is in place in Railway Road, near to the market square. The road has been taped off between Wetherspoons and the A666 since about 2pm, according to eyewitnesses.

Pictures from the scene show police, firefighters and paramedics in attendance, reports LancsLive.

The exact nature of the incident is not yet known. Lancashire Constabulary has been approached for further information.

This is a live incident. We will bring you the latest updates in the blog below.

A spokesperson for the British Army has confirmed that the bomb disposal team has identified the item as a grenade. The explosive has been removed from the scene.

We've contacted the Ministry of Defence to confirm if bomb disposal experts from Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire have been called to assist.

Some people have reported that they were ordered to remain inside The Bridgewater pub when the police cordon was put in place. Are you stuck inside the pub? Contact our reporter Amy Fenton by emailing amy.fenton@reachplc.com

Eye-witnesses at the scene said they understand that bomb disposal experts have been called. When potentially explosive items are located on land the British Army are tasked to the incident while anything on the beach or at sea is dealt with by the Royal Navy. The nearest Army bomb disposal unit is based at Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire.

Emergency services were called at around 2pm after a potentially explosive item was handed in to the heritage centre in Railway Road.

Police have cordoned off a huge part of the town centre bordered by The Old Chapel, The Bees Knees and Darwen Market.

Eye-witnesses said