Controlled explosion after suspicious package find

Police sealed off the area above Selkirk town centre

A controlled explosion has been carried out after a suspicious package was found in a house in Selkirk.

Workers from Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) made the discovery on Kirk Wynd at about 15:20 on Wednesday and ordnance disposal teams were sent in.

Police sealed off streets in the Back Row area before going from house to house to evacuate residents.

A controlled explosion took place before the cordon was lifted and people were allowed back into their homes. Nobody was injured in the incident.

Police prevented anyone from entering the Back Row area of Selkirk

The item was found during a clear-out of an empty property.

Scottish Borders Council set up a rest centre in the Victoria Hall to be used until the all-clear was given.

One resident told the BBC: "Officers told us that we had to leave our properties and we wouldn't be able to return until the bomb squad had checked out the device."

A bomb squad vehicle arrived in Selkirk just after 18:15.

A bomb disposal vehicle was sent to Selkirk

Police confirmed a few hours later that the package had been dealt with and the cordon lifted.

They said inquiries were ongoing into the full circumstances of the incident.

"We’d like to thank the public for their patience while investigations were carried out and reassure them there is no wider risk," a police statement added.

SBHA said the discovery had been made during a "routine clear-out of an empty property".

"We would like to thank our team members for their vigilance, and the emergency services for their swift response," it said in a statement.

"We would also like to thank all those affected by the incident for their patience while the police worked to ensure everyone’s safety.”