Police today confirmed a suspicious package destroyed in a controlled explosion after homes in Ramsgate were evacuated was a hoax.

The suspect item, described as "a box with wires coming out of it" was found by a police officer just after 6pm in Grange Road, which was shut at both ends.

The controlled explosion took place just after 9pm although people were not immediately allowed to return to their homes.

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But today, police have confirmed the package was, in fact, a hoax - and an investigation has been launched.

Plumber Greg Buckmaster, of Rose Hill, watched the emergency services carry out work on the suspect package.

The 35-year-old said:"A few people were quite worried, my sister was quite worried. Considering what's happened recently I suppose it's understandable.

"I got there just in time to see the robot smash through the window of the car to grab something that looked like a rucksack." - Greg Buckmaster

"If you're going to plant something to explode, though, it's a pretty stupid place to put it because there were no people there.

"It caught me a bit off guard, it looked more like someone was training to use the robot and I thought it was a police exercise.

"I got there just in time to see the robot smash through the window of the car to grab something that looked like a rucksack.

"I wasn't worried because I was able to walk through the blocked-off roads without anybody stopping me, which made me think it wasn't real.

"Something was detonated in the end but it wasn't that loud, like a small firework."

Last night St Augustine's Road and several surrounding roads near the harbour were cordoned off.

Some at the scene reported a second package had been found in the High Street, but this is not thought to be the case.

VIDEO: A robot is used to carry out a controlled explosion

People in the area reported a large police presence, and about 50 homes were evacuated in the Government Acres area of town.

Leanne Connor said: "My nan lives in the block of flats opposite St Augustine's and it's just her block that I know of."

Those who were to leave their homes were taken to a temporary shelter at the Boating Pool Cafe on Royal Esplanade.

Others were told to stay inside as a precaution.

All cordons have now been lifted.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 6.12pm to Grange Road, Ramsgate, to reports of a suspicious package.

"Officers attended the scene and as a precaution, a cordon was set up and several properties were evacuated while the MOD EOD team attended.

"A controlled explosion has taken place and Grange Road remains closed while officers carry out their inquiries."

Police have since launched an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.