M6 Toll reopens after incident

Police say it was a genuine security alert, but concerns reported were unfounded

Staffordshire Police say the incident that led to part of the M6 Toll motorway being closed today was a genuine security alert, but the concerns reported to them were unfounded.

Emergency services were called out to reports of vapour escaping from a bag of a passenger on a coach around 8:20am.

Dozens of fire engines, ambulances and specialist emergency vehicles attended the scene, along with armed police.

The road was closed in both directions near Lichfield for around 6 hours.

Staffordshire Police have released a statement: "Staffordshire Police supported by multi agency partners responded to a genuine report from a member of the public.

"Given the credibility of the information we received, we responded swiftly and proportionately.

"The information received concerned a report of vapour escaping from a bag which on investigation turned out to be a health improvement aid for smokers.

"It’s important to state that no criminal offence has been committed and no passenger or any other member of the public is being treated as a suspect.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank passengers for their patience, cooperation and support.

"The coach has now been moved, the M6 Toll has now been reopened the passengers have been moved onto another bus and their property returned

"We are liaising closely with the coach company, megabus.com, to ensure that their welfare needs – including onward or return journeys – are supported.

"Our utmost priority was the safety and security of the public and whilst on this occasion the incident was resolved peacefully without event, we want to encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience and hope that the public understand that we have our duty to safeguard public safety."

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