Yahoo News Oxford vaccine factory evacuated after 'suspicious package' was sent to site
A bomb disposal team has been called to the factory in which the Oxford vaccine is made after a suspicious package was reported.
The Wockhardt factory on the Wrexham Industrial Estate was evacuated this morning after the package was sent to the site.
It is here where the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is packaged into vials.
In a statement, Wockhardt said: "Wockhardt UK in Wrexham this morning received a suspicious package to site.
"All relevant authorities were immediately notified and engaged. Upon expert advice we have partially evacuated the site pending a full investigation.
"The safety of our employees and business continuity remain of paramount importance."
Downing Street is being kept up to date on developments, a Number 10 spokesman said.
Watch: AstraZeneca facility closed after bomb scare
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: "We are working with local police and the military to find out more about this incident.
"Thank you to the security personnel who are on-site to protect lives and ensure the safety of our vaccine supply. This highlights the vital role they play in keeping us all safe. Diolch."
Last week, emergency teams were called out to protect supplies of the Oxford University and AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine following flooding at the industrial estate.
All "necessary precautions" were taken to prevent disruption to the manufacture of the jab, a Wockhardt spokeswoman said at the time.
North Wales Police said on Wednesday afternoon: "We are currently dealing with an ongoing incident on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.
"The roads are currently closed and we would ask the public to avoid the area until further notice."
What we know so far
Suspicious package delivered this morning to Wockhardt factory, where vaccine is bottled into vials
Factory partially evacuated
Bomb disposal team called
Police asking people to avoid area
The 'ongoing incident', in pictures
This is an updating story. More to follow.
Watch: What UK government COVID-19 support is available?
