There was a bomb scare at the Cross Roads branch of the National Commercial Bank yesterday but the Bomb Squad from the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) was able to safely diffuse the situation.

A police officer explained to THE STAR that the so-called bomb was actually a makeshift device that was used to carry out the threat. Up to press time, the cops had not figured out who planted it.

When THE STAR visited the scene yesterday, workers were standing outside. However, there was a calm atmosphere with no one appearing terrified. THE STAR was informed that an emergency meeting was called by the bank's officials to settle the employees' fears.

cops on the scene

A police officer on the scene said, "We received reports about a bomb threat and personnel are now in the bank carrying out their investigations."

The police later removed the yellow tape used to cordon off specific areas and employees re-entered the bank from the back of the building.

Head of the OCID, Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey, told THE STAR, "Someone presented a letter-sized package to a member of staff and a device that appeared to look like an explosive device was presented."

Bailey also said, "The bomb squad took custody of the device and examined it properly and in some way deactivated the device and destroyed it."

He further said that a full investigation will be conducted by the police.

The branch will be opened today as the management team is said to have taken all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of customers and employees.