Bishkek department store evacuated after bomb threat

Visitors and staff were evacuated from the Central Department Store in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, after an unknown caller threatened to detonate an explosive device inside the building.

The call was received by the Pervomaisky District Police Department. The caller reportedly demanded 500,000 soms (about $5,717), threatening to blow up the building if the money was not paid, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kyrgyz media. 

The department store has been cordoned off, while law enforcement officers are searching the building and working to identify the caller.

By Sabina Mammadli