A suspicious package left in a residential area sparked bomb fears and a road closure.

The bomb squad was scrambled after neighbours in Margate raised concerns about the item in Fulham Avenue, Garlinge.

Police were called to the route at 10am today before being joined by members of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) shortly afterwards.

The road remained cordoned off until about 2pm this afternoon.

A similar incident unfolded nearby earlier this month when emergency services descended on Northdown Road in Cliftonville on August 7.

On the latest occurrence, a force spokesman said: “Kent Police was called to Fulham Avenue, Margate following the discovery of suspected ordnance shortly after 10am.

“Officers attended along with a Ministry of Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

“The item was found to pose no risk to public safety.”