A CORDON has been lifted after a bomb scare in Basingstoke town centre.

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

Vicky O’Hare, corporate communications officer at Hampshire Constabulary, said: “The package has been assessed by specialist officers and has now been taken away for further examination.”

Officers had cordoned off the bottom of Wote Street, near the Halifax bank branch, and part of Seal Road. The Feather’s Lane and Red Lion car parks were also closed.

The cordon was lifted just before midday.

Jane Stewart, marketing manager at Festival Place, said three pedestrian entrances have now reopened.