Rush-hour motorists heading for Ipswich town centre faced chaos this morning after a security alert closed Civic Drive.

PART of Ipswich town centre has been closed off this morning after a suspicious package was discovered outside of the magistrate's court.

Motorists are being warned to expect delays after police officers set up a 200m cordon - closing Civic Drive and Elm Street.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said officers received reports of a suspicious suitcase outside the magistrate's court just before 7.30am.

The police station opposite the court has been evacuated as a precaution and the fire and ambulance service have been alerted.

A bomb disposal team is on their way to the scene, the spokeswoman added.