WATTISHAM Airfield was closed this afternoon after a suspect package was discovered - but it turned out to be a soldier's sports bag.A cordon of 100 metres within the base perimeter was set up, buildings were evacuated and the base shutdown, including to incoming and outgoing traffic.

WATTISHAM Airfield was closed this afternoon after a suspect package was discovered - but it turned out to be a soldier's sports bag.

A cordon of 100 metres within the base perimeter was set up, buildings were evacuated and the base shutdown, including to incoming and outgoing traffic.

Police were alerted by the guardroom at around 1.50pm today after a suspect package was found in the lower ranks' dining area.

Bomb squad officers were also put on standby.

But, after the precautionary measures were implemented at the base, a soldier realised he had not got his sports bag with him.

The incident, which was dealt with by police and army personnel with two military fire appliances on standby, was resolved by around 2.40pm.

Reports of traffic building up in the area were received.