Fareham Suspicious Package: Navy Bomb Disposal Team Deployed

A Royal Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team, called out to deal with a suspicious package found by staff near a Poundland shop in Fareham, Hampshire, has stood down after the incident.

Hundreds of shoppers were evacuated from the area as a 100m cordon was put up, the town's shopping centre was closed and buses were diverted as a precaution.

The EOD team, part of a joint emergency service response, checked the suspicious item and established that it posed no threat.

Hampshire Police said in a statement: "Officers were called earlier this afternoon to an area near Poundland after shop staff discovered a suspicious package.

"Emergency services were supported by the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team who conducted a number of inquiries, which established the item posed no threat and the item was made safe.

"The cordon in West Street, Fareham, has now been lifted and emergency services are standing down from the scene."