WINCHESTER streets were cordoned off due to a bomb scare, police have confirmed.

On the afternoon of Thursday, September 12, a specialist bomb disposal squad was called to Dell Road in the residential area of Highcliffe after reports of a "suspicious package".

A member of the public told the Chronicle that nearby neighbours were evacuated during the incident. 

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However, after examination, the explosive ordnance disposal team did not find the item to be a threat and removed it.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called just after 1.30pm on Thursday, September 12, to a report of a suspected unexploded ordnance in Dell Road, Winchester.

"The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team attended and confirmed it was not dangerous and have removed the item. Cordons were put in place as a precautionary measure and have since been removed."