THE Port of Boston was closed for more than two hours on Thursday after reports of a suspicious package.

Police were called to the docks at about 10.55am and officers evacuated workers and set up a 100 metre safety cordon around the area.

Nearby Scott House disabled living centre and Boston Conference Centre were also evacuated as were residents in Skirbeck Road, Rose Place, Alfred Street, Charles Street, Musteroll Lane, Drakard Lane and parts of Daisy Dale.

Bomb disposal experts attended and traffic was diverted away from the docks.

The port eventually re-opened at around 1.30pm and a Lincolnshire Police spokesman revealed the suspicious package had been identified as fly-tipped electrical items.

He apologised for any inconvenience caused to local people and business but added: “Quite obviously we have to air on the side of caution in these circumstances.”