Duke of Marlborough hotel evacuated after 'threat'

Police in Russell have evacuated businesses and closed streets following a threat.

Businesses were evacuated in Russell after police received a threat being made at a premise in Russell at about 10.45am today.

After the Duke of Marlborough was searched and declared clear the cordons came down and businesses were opened again shortly after 1.30pm. Ferries were also cleared to resume trips.

Earlier in the morning a business owner said police were putting in cordons and the Duke of Marlborough Hotel was evacuated first followed by nearby businesses.

A local facebook page was reporting a bomb scare at the Duke of Marlborough.

"All been evacuated. Police officer said there is a bomb apparently. TBC," the post said.

They also posted the passenger ferries were not running but the car ferry was.

A police spokesperson said the first building has been evacuated as a precaution and officers were at the scene and were making enquiries.

It's understood there was a conference being held at the hotel today.

Police said there was no further information at this time.