Officers and staff at Westcliff police station have been evacuated as a precaution after an historical bomb was handed in.

The explosive device was handed in just before 1.45pm today.

Police are awaiting the arrival of the bomb squad.

Roads nearby have been cordoned off.

Chief inspector Simon Anslow, district commander for Southend, said a man handed in the device in a white plastic bag on the front desk.

He said: "A member of the public walked into the police station having been clearing his belongings out.

"He has discovered an incendiary device - I am not exactly sure what.

"He wrapped it up in a plastic bag and plonked it down on the front desk.

"We have taken down his details and we do not think there is any motivations surrounding him.

"We have protocol to follow so we decided to clear out the police station and close some roads while we wait for the bomb squad."

He said there were about 30 staff and officers evacuated as it was handed in during the team's handover period.

Bradley Oldham, of Oldhams of Wesctliff, a fish and chip shop, said the whole of West Road has been blocked off.

He said: "They are not telling us what has happened but they whole of West Road is blocked off. There are a lot of police cars."

By 3.30pm, the bomb squad had arrived and officers were allowed back into the station. Roads are no longer cordoned off.

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