Suspect device near Boston Police Station was clay pipe

A 100 metre cordon was set up around the device in the Rosegarth Square area, which police had suggested may be a Second World War unexploded bomb.

Residents were evacuated to safe refuge space at the Borough Council’s Municipal Buildings on West Street, while explosive experts from the EOD unit assessed the situation.

Then, in an update at 8.30pm Lincolnshire Police confirmed: “Experts have now completed their examinations of the suspected device found near to Boston Police Station and have found it to be a piece of clay pipe.

"The cordon in the area is being lifted and residents will be returned to their homes.”

They added: “We are grateful to the public for their patience and understanding while we worked to maintain public safety and resolve this incident.”

The original report of the suspect device had come into police at 11.33am and by 12.16pm a 100m cordon had been set up.

Residents were evacuated after a number of surrounding roads were closed while the incident was ongoing and EOD bomb disposal experts were called in.

Lincoln Lane, Rosegarth Street, Lawrence Lane, Irby Place and St Botolph's Bridge were all closed off and the bus station on Rosegarth Street was also affected, affecting bus travel around the area.

The device was uncovered during excavations by constructors on the Rosegarth Square development.

Rob Wright, Lindum Group's Director of Group Health, Safety & Environment commented: "We’re obviously delighted that this turned out to be a false alarm. While we understand the inconvenience it caused, we are very pleased with how our site team managed the situation.

"The item was spotted during the supervision of excavation works onsite, and our team followed our in-house protocols, which are fully in line with national guidance.

"This isn’t the first time we’ve encountered such discoveries on our sites; on previous occasions, we have found live devices which had the potential to be very dangerous. The safety of the public and our team is always our top priority, and we are grateful to the emergency services for their swift response and to the local community for their patience."