A suspicious package that closed Christchurch Park near Ipswich town centre is being treated as a hoax, police have confirmed.

Police were called to the park at about 4.10pm on Sunday to reports that a package had been found on a bench.

It has since been confirmed that the package was found near a pond in the park.

Officers attended the incident and the park was closed in the the interest of public safety.

People visiting the park, as well as Christchurch Mansion in the centre, were asked to leave as police arrived at the scene.

Bolton Lane, near the park, was sealed off while officers carried out their investigation and about 30 properties in the road, as well as in nearby Westerfield Road and Tuddenham Road, were also evacuated as a precaution.

The device was later assessed by ordnance disposal specialists, a police spokesman said.

The cordon was lifted shortly after 7pm, and residents who were evacuated were told they could return to their properties - about three hours after the package was discovered.

Police thanked the public for their understanding and co-operation whilst enquiries into the incident continue.

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