A CORDON has been set up around part of Basingstoke town centre because of a bomb scare.

Police were called at 9.36am this morning about a “suspicious package” in Wote Street.

Officers have cordoned off the bottom of Wote Street, near the Halifax bank branch, and part of Seal Road. The Feathers Lane and Red Lion car parks have also been closed.

People who work in buildings within the cordon have been told to remain indoors.

Vicky O’Hare, corporate communications officer at Hampshire Constabulary, said specialist officers and a dog unit have been called.

Jane Stewart, marketing manager at Festival Place, said the Wote Street, Potters Walk and Seal Road entrances have been closed to pedestrians.