POLICE have locked down the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham because of a “potential security alert”.

Attendees are currently locked in the International Conference Centre (ICC), where the event is being held.

No one is being allowed in or out of the building, according to reporters at the scene. 

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's speech went ahead as planned as crowds began to build outside the building. 

Most high profile party figures are understood to be in attendance at the event. 

The nature of the incident is not known and the local force has been approached for further details. 

Birmingham Police tweeted: “Due to a potential security alert we have temporarily restricted access to and from the ICC.”

More to follow