BOMB disposal experts have carried out a controlled explosion in the centre of Scarborough.

Police were called to the town centre just before 9am today (Friday, October 11), when a suspicious package was reported outside the Miss Selfridge store on Westborough.

Officers cordoned off the area and evacuated neighbouring shops.

They then called in the army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team who, as a precaution, carried out a controlled explosion of the item at 12.15pm.

They say it is unclear at this point what the package was and are now assessing the item.

Police say a 100m cordon around the area will remain in place for the time being, while police enquiries continue.

Residents and visitors have been advised to avoid the area until further notice.

A police spokesman said: “Every effort is being made to return to return to normality. We thank the public and local businesses for their patience and understanding during the disruption.”