Police reassure public after bag discovered in Whitehaven pub sparks cordon

Police say identifying the items found will “take time to safely carry out”

Author: Grace O'HarePublished 11th Sep 2025

Police say there is no threat to the wider public after a bag containing a number of items was discovered inside The Snecklifter pub in Whitehaven on Wednesday evening (10 September).

Officers were called at around 7:35pm last night, and a 50-metre cordon was put in place on Duke Street while emergency services carried out checks.

Several nearby roads, including parts of King Street, Senhouse Street and New Street, were closed while assessments continued.

Chief Superintendent David Pattinson said he understood the activity and speculation online may have caused concern but urged people to remain calm.

He added that identifying the items found will “take time to safely carry out” and asked people not to share unconfirmed information on social media.

Police say they will issue a further update once the facts are known.

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