India, Nov. 14 -- Police ordered a mandatory evacuation covering a one-mile radius around the BioUrja Renewables plant in Peoria, Illinois, CBS reported. This came after authorities received a bomb threat and began investigating a suspicious package at the ethanol and alcohol production facility.

Officials urged residents and businesses in parts of Peoria and neighbouring East Peoria to leave the area immediately while officers searched the site.

The evacuation remained in effect "until further notice" as bomb technicians and emergency responders examined the facility to determine whether the threat was credible. Police said they issued the order "out of an abundance of caution" to protect the public while the investigation continued. ...