Terror Threat in Birmingham, England

From Sky News:

Thousands of people are being evacuated from Birmingham city centre after police issued a terror warning.

West Midlands Police said no vehicles are being allowed past the inner ring road.

Around 200 bars, restaurants and clubs are being emptied and searched

A spokeswoman said: "West Midlands Police are issuing a public warning to people after they received intelligence to suggest a threat to the city centre.

"Our response needs to be proportionate in the actions we are taking and informing the public.

"We are not closing bars, restaurants or clubs but we are asking for them to be searched and for people entering the premises to be searched."

It appears to be generally chaotic in the city center with many out-of-town visitors being told to evacuate in an unfamiliar setting. An estimated 30,000 people have left the city's entertainment district.

From the BBC:

Birmingham resident Kenneth Kelsall told the BBC: "There is a lot of confusion, there appears to be no chance of anyone moving back into the city - but people are remaining quiet."

West Midlands Police announced they had received intelligence of a possible threat to the area around 2015BST.

Initially people were told to be on their guard and that bars and restaurants were being searched. Motorists were also told not to come into the city centre.

Cable news is indicating that the city center is clear of people and the police are searching.