LANCASTER, Pa. — Update, 1:45 p.m.: Lancaster Police said Tuesday afternoon the closure of Central Market was due to a bomb threat posted on the Trip Advisor website.
Police said they worked quickly with Market staff to close and evacuate the area, which was cleared by the department's bomb-detection K9 officer and two Dauphin County K9 officers.
"After an intensive search, nothing suspicious was located and the area is now deemed safe for the public to return," the department said. "It is important to note that this incident is similar to multiple county and state threats that have been sent out over the last several weeks.
"The Lancaster City Bureau of Police takes all potential threats seriously and responds with the utmost caution. While the previous threats have proven to be unfounded, we continue to investigate each case thoroughly to ensure the ongoing safety of our community."
Previously
Lancaster Central Market was temporarily closed on Tuesday due to a "local emergency," the iconic downtown Lancaster landmark said on its Facebook page.
The closure lasted about an hour. Lancaster Police responded to the scene to investigate and later declared it safe for the public to return to the area.
Central Market announced it was closing on social media shortly after 11 a.m., but did not provide details regarding the nature of the emergency. Dispatch accounts reported there was police activity in the area.
Market's Facebook message advised customers to avoid the area.
Lancaster Police issued a statement shortly after noon.
"The Lancaster City Bureau of Police is currently responding to a situation at Central Market," a spokesperson said. "Officers are on the scene. In the interest of public safety, we ask that you avoid the Central Market area until further notice."
A few minutes later, police provided an update to the situation and said the area was clear.
The public is safe to return, the police department said.
More information on the incident will be provided later today, according to police.
Central Market announced it was open again at 12:30 p.m.
Central Market is normally open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, according to its website.
This is a developing story. FOX43 will have more information as it becomes available.
