PEMBROKE Castle has been evacuated as police and fire crews investigate 'an item containing an unknown substance'.

Police have said there is not believed to be any risk to the public, but have cordoned off the castle and surrounding footpath at Castle Pond.

Fire crews from Pembroke Dock were called shortly before 1pm today (Friday), and have since been joined by an environmental unit crew from Llanelli, trained as Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Officers.

A UAV drone team has also been deployed, and several police vehicles and paramedics are at the scene.

It is understood that an object has been discovered on the path that leads around the back of the castle.

A reporter at the scene was told a bottle bearing the word 'novichok' was found in nearby Wogan Cavern. 

Milford Mercury: PICTURE: Martin CavaneyPICTURE: Martin Cavaney

A witness said the entrance to Pembroke Castle was cordoned off by police earlier this afternoon, and the site evacuated.

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Another witness said the footpath running around the bottom of the castle is also blocked off.

A police spokesman said: "​Dyfed-Powys Police is currently in attendance at Castle Terrace in Pembroke.

"Precautions are being taken over an item which contains an unknown substance.

"There is not believed to be any risk to the public at present, but the community is advised that there will be a high presence of emergency services in the area as the item is investigated."

Pembroke Castle has posted on social media to say it will remain closed for the rest of the day, and ltonight's Ghost Tour event has been cancelled.

"We expect to be open again tomorrow, but please check our Facebook page or website for updates before leaving for the castle," said a spokesman.

"If you have purchased tickets for this evening's Ghost Tour, these will be refunded as soon as possible.

"Apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Update 8.25pm: Emergency Services are still at the scene and are expecting to be there throughout the night.

Witnesses in the area including a Western Telegraph reporter have said the services are awaiting a specialist team to arrive.

Pictures below by Martin Cavaney.

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More to follow.