Bomb disposal experts blew up a rucksack that had been left in an alleyway next to Hyderabad Barracks in Colchester Garrison on Saturday evening.

Police had been called to the alleyway at the back of Mill Street at 7pm, after receiving reports of a suspicious package.

As the alley backs on to the Parachute Regiment's base, Army bomb disposal experts were called in.

A police spokesman said a small controlled explosion was carried out on the bag which contained harmless ex-military items.

Nearby residents were told about the operation but were not advised to leave their homes at that time.

Published Monday October 21, 2002

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