South end of Orchard Plaza in Kelowna temporarily evacuated during police investigation

Part of a strip mall in Kelowna was temporarily blocked off by police on Friday afternoon.

Kelowna RCMP say they responded to a report of suspicious circumstances at the south end of Orchard Plaza.

All entrances to that part of the mall along Cooper Road were blocked off by police cruisers as officers investigated.

At the time, police asked residents to avoid the area because of an unfolding investigation, which required the area be shut down, forcing numerous businesses to close.

Nearby businesses say they heard there was a bomb threat at Winners.

Approximately four stores, including Lee Valley Tools, were evacuated and shut down for a couple of hours as police investigated.

There was no word if the threat was substantiated.

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