Portsmouth train stations reopen after bomb units probe 'suspicious item'
A "suspicious package" which forced railway stations to close and saw the bomb disposal unit race to Portsmouth has been called off.
People were evacuated from their homes and others were told to stay away from the area near Portsmouth and Southsea Central stations as the force and specialist officers investigated.
A British Transport Police spokesman has since confirmed the package is in fact not suspicious and a 100-metre cordon which was put in place is now being removed.
GWR, South Western Railway, and Southern trains between Portsmouth Harbour and Fratton were affected and travellers are still being advised to check before they travel.
The BTP had cordoned off the area since around 8.30am and were at the scene alongside officers from the Portsmouth force and ambulance service.
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Earlier, a BTP spokesman said: "Officers are currently responding to reports of a suspicious item at Portsmouth and Southsea station.
Emergency services were called to the scene after a "suspicious item" was spotted (Stuart Vaizey/Solent News)"The station is closed and cordons are in place to allow specialist officers to assess the item. Further updates will be shared here when we have them."
Specialist officers were spotted at the scene and BTP have been contacted for more information.
A 100-metre cordon blocked buses from certain routes, causing disruption across the city.
People living nearby had to be evacuated from their buildings (Portsmouth News/Solent News)Southern Rail have confirmed train services are disrupted as a result of the incident.
A spokesman said: "The emergency services dealing with an incident close to the railway between Fratton and Portsmouth Harbour means all lines are blocked.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene at around 8.30am (Portsmouth News/Solent News)"As a result, trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 14:00."
Students and people from nearby accommodation next to Portsmouth and Southsea Railway Station were told to leave as a result of the cordon.
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