Shoppers have reported hearing a huge bang, shortly after bomb disposal experts were called in to deal with a suspicious package in Tunbridge Wells town centre.

Officers erected the cordon in the precinct area at 9.22am following reports a suspect package had been found in Calverley Road. Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and Calverley Precinct were closed.

It was not lifted until 3pm, after the contents had been destroyed in a controlled explosion.

VIDEO: A cordon was put in place on Mount Pleasant Road. Credit: Alison Wells

An explosive ordnance disposal team from the Ministry of Defence is at the scene and has been liaising with the police.

A controlled explosion took place to dispose of the package just before 2pm, with many people reporting hearing a loud bang.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We were called to Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, to reports of a suspicious package. Officers are currently at the scene carrying out inquiries and a cordon has been set up as a precaution."

A Kent Highways statement has said Grosvenor Road is closed from the junction with Mount Pleasant Road.

Police are on the scene diverting traffic.

Road closures are also affecting Monson Road, Dudley Road and Newton Road. Bus routes have been affected by the traffic.

They have urged drivers to use an alternative route and to expect delays in the area.

They have however also advised that drivers who had parked their cars in the Royal Victoria Place car park can collect them if they access the car park from Victoria Road.

Witnesses have described the package looking like a "pull-along" suitcase.

A shopper at the scene said: "Security guards told us it was a wheeled suitcase with a walking stick that was reported by Barclays Bank.

"It was very well dealt with, but a lot of people couldn't get to their cars.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "As a precaution officers closed the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and also Calverley precinct. A number of local roads were also closed as a cordon was put in place.

"A Ministry of Defence explosive ordnance disposal team later carried out a controlled explosion and the contents were found to be harmless.

"The cordons have been stood down and the public are allowed back into the shopping centre."

Chief Superintendent Tim Smith said: "Public safety is paramount to Kent Police and we take reports of this nature very seriously.

"I would like to thank the public for the understanding and patience they have showed today while our officers have worked with other emergency services to ensure the package has been investigate and dealt with in the safest way."

Nicky Blanchard, centre manager at Royal Victoria Place, said: "Due to a suspect package on Calverley Road, RVP was closed from 10.13am until 3pm as part of an extended cordon initiated by Kent Police.

"Thankfully we understand the item was subsequently found to be harmless and although traders and businesses affected by this will undoubtedly be disappointed by the disruption to trade we believe that the safety and security of our customers must always be given priority."