'Suspicious device' turns out to be 'clay pipe'

A cordon was put in place near Boston Police Station

A suspicious device found near a police station turned out to be a piece of "clay pipe", police said.

The find was reported to Lincolnshire Police shortly after 11:30 GMT.

The discovery led to a 100m (328ft) cordon being put in place at Boston Police Station on Lincoln Lane and a number of buildings being evacuated. The bus station on Rosegarth Street was also closed.

Officers had earlier said it was believed to be an unexploded device from World War Two.

However, following an assessment by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the force confirmed it was "a piece of clay pipe".

Earlier, residents affected by the incident were told they would not be able to return to their homes until it was deemed safe to do so and to go to a rest centre set up at the municipal buildings on West Street.

In an updated statement, the force said the cordon was now being lifted and residents would be allowed to return.

"We are grateful to the public for their patience and understanding while we worked to maintain public safety and resolve this incident," a force spokesperson added.

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