A SUSPICIOUS device found at Watchet Train Station has been taken away by bomb disposal experts.

Emergency services were called to the town after the device, which is not believed to be explosive or dangerous, as earlier thought, was found at the station around 12.30pm. 

A team of bomb detection experts from Gloucester arrived at the station at around 4.30pm to inspect the device, before deciding how to deal with it.

Somerset County Gazette:

The device was found next to the railway line by staff from the station during their weekly inspection.

West Somerset Railway has suspended services for the rest of the day for safety reasons following the discovery.

A coach replacement service has been organised by the station.

Somerset County Gazette:

A number of roads around the station were closed for several hours while the item was dealt with, but they have now reopened. 

Brendan Road, Decuman Hill and Swain Street were all closed off by police.

However, all closures have now been lifted by the police following the device's removal.

Paul Fleet, operating superintendent for Watchet Station, said: "The bomb disposal squd was investigation reports of a potentially unexploded piece of ordnance.

"It turned out to be an unidentified metal object.

"It has been taken away for further investigation and has been deemed not dangerous."

A spokesman for the station urged people to avoid the area while investigations are carried out.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Officers are currently at Watchet train station following the discovery of what is believed to be an old military device.

"The small device will now be examined by experts from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

"As a precaution we have closed Brendan Road."

A number of bus routes have also been diverted following the incident.

Paul Connibeare, the general manager at the railway, said that the station has been cordoned off by police and a specialist team are on their way to inspect the device.

All services have been cancelled for the rest of the day due to the incident. A coach replacement service between Williton and Minhead has been organised to transport passengers.

A spokesman for West Somerset Railway said: "For safety reasons, trains have been suspended on the West Somerset Railway for the rest of today.

"We apologise for any inconvenience. We are working hard to get travelling passengers back to their start station. More information will be released as soon as possible"

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It all shut down around midday.

"There was loads of police officers around.

"Shutting off such a large area has brought the town to a standstill, and it's difficult for locla people to get around, but we do understand why they are doing it."

Resident Dolly Rogers said: "I was waiting to get on the bus for Minehead this morning and we were told that there was an unexploded bomb under the railway bridge.

"How much of an emergency can it be if it has been three hours and nothing has happened?"

More information to follow.