Controlled explosion follows emergency road closure near HMS Drake

Police have reopened Saltash Road after the Royal Naval EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) carried out a controlled explosion of an unknown package, thought to be a suitcase, discovered close to HMS Drake.

Both ends of Saltash Road in Keyham, Plymouth were closed earlier today as a precaution while investigations took place. A number of fire engines were called to the scene on standby.

On his Twitter feed, Plymouth's local policing senior officer, Superintendent Chris Singer said:

"Happy that the item was a discarded item managed appropriately to ensure public safety. Apologies for inconvenience to public."

Earlier, Supt Singer explained the situation via Twitter and sought to reassure the public:

"The incident outside dockyard is in hand, a controlled explosion has taken place to allow examination of the object".

He continued via Twitter: "We will now work with colleagues from MOD to examine item, ascertain whether there was any intent or whether it had been left innocently."

"There is no cause for local concern regarding the package in Devonport, a cautious approach was taken to ensure public safety," he said

Road closures were put in place around the area and an evacuation of nearby properties took place, for precautionary reasons.

Police were called at 12.55pm today (Thursday 13 June) and attended the location which is near to a bus stop in Saltash Road, close to HMS Drake.

A 100 metre cordon was put in place.