Reem Island roads blocked as police check unattended bag

ABU DHABI // An unattended piece of luggage left on a Reem Island sidewalk forced police to temporarily block roads and entrances to Boutik Mall and surrounding residential buildings, witnesses said.

The bag was left on the sidewalk in front of La Brioche Cafe et Patisserie on Monday afternoon. Witnesses say police and firefighters arrived between 5.30pm and 6pm to investigate the abandoned bag, which was found by the bus stop in front of the entrance to the mall. Witnesses described the bag as small carry-on travel luggage.

Patrons and staff of La Brioche and nearby businesses facing the bus stop were moved to the opposite side of the building, an employee said. Within an hour after they arrived, the emergency crews reopened the area after nothing suspicious was found.

Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.