Hatfield residents were evacuated from their homes after a "suspicious device" was discovered.

The incident took place at around 6.41pm yesterday (Tuesday, February 20) at an address in Horsa Gardens.

The multi-occupancy property and surrounding residences were all evacuated, with the road and nearby area cordoned off.

People were warned to avoid the area, while emergency services attended the scene.

After being assessed, it was determined that the item was not an explosive device, with residents returning to their homes by 9.28pm.

At the time, a spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "The suspicious device found in a property in Horsa Gardens has now been assessed and it is not an explosive device.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Horsa Gardens, Hatfield.Horsa Gardens, Hatfield. (Image: Google Maps)

"Residents are now returning to their homes and the closures will be lifted.

"We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we assessed the situation."

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Incidents can also be reported to Hertfordshire police online at www.herts.police.uk/ro/report or by calling the police's non-emergency number 101.

Hertfordshire police's web chat function can be used by visiting herts.police.uk/contact.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.