Police have sieged an office block in Liverpool city centre where negotiators are seeking "direct contact" with a man who claimed to have a "suspect package".
Officers said workers in Silkhouse Court, a 14-storey office block, activated the fire alarm and chose to evacuate the building at around 10.30am.
An ordinarily busy area in and around Tithebarn Street has been cordoned off after police said the man was found "acting suspiciously" in the building.
Specialist officers are now negotiating with the man - reported to be white and middle-aged - inside the block.
A bomb disposal unit has arrived at the scene.
Armed police have also entered a building opposite Silkhouse Court.
A boat insurance company is believed to be at the centre of the scare.