Residents were evacuated after the incident

Police cordoned off a property in Clayhall this afternoon following what neighbours said was the discovery of a suspect package.

The package is believed to have been found in Clayhall Avenue, between Woodford Avenue and Marlands Road. Its status is currently unconfirmed.

Resident Sunita Palmer, 47, who lives on the road, said: “I was just coming home from shopping and the police told me there was a big issue and I couldn’t go back to my house.

“It was very scary. The police still haven’t told us what happened.”

Four police cars, five ambulances and four fire engines attended at the scene.

Michelle Levy, of Clayhall Avenue, said: “The device was discovered in my next door neighbour’s house.

“It’s obviously something that needs to be investigated.

“Everyone’s been evacuated.”

The road has now been re-opened.