A CONTROLLED explosion was carried out by bomb disposal experts at Preston railway station after a suspicious package was spotted.

Staff raised the alarm at 3.46am on Monday July 6 and contacted British Transport Police about a briefcase which had been left unattended in the station.

The station was cordoned off and people evacuated into Butler Street and Fishergate at 4.30am.

The Army's Explosive Ordnance Division were called in from Chester to carry out the controlled explosion, which took place at 6.22am, and staff and passengers were allowed back shortly after.