A road was closed following reports of a “suspicious package” - but police have confirmed it was a false alarm.

The cordon was placed in Marine Drive, Margate, last night while police and bomb disposal teams carried out an investigation.

Pictures taken from the scene show a suitcase was left on the wall near the beach.

But officers soon found the item “posed no risk to public safety” and the cordon was lifted.

A spokesman said: “Kent Police was called following a report of a suspicious package in Marine Drive, Margate at 5.50pm on Sunday 8 October 2023.

“Officers attended the scene and put a cordon in place to assist experts from the Ministry of Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

“The item was found to pose no risk to public safety and the cordons were lifted shortly after 9.30pm.

“Officers would like to thank local residents and businesses for their cooperation while the incident was responded to.”