A CONTROLLED explosion was carried out in New Brighton after a device had been found in Liverpool.

Residents reported seeing the bomb squad and police at The Dips from around 6pm on Friday, April 19.

A police spokeswoman said this was in relation to an “unexploded device”.

The improvised explosive device had been found at an address in Liverpool earlier on Friday afternoon and was removed by the police's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

A controlled explosion was then later carried out in New Brighton.

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A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team have attended at a flat on Ellis Place, in Liverpool, this afternoon (Friday, April 19) after a warrant was carried out by Merseyside Police. 

"An improvised explosive device was located at the address and removed by the EOD. A controlled explosion was then carried out in the New Brighton area.

"A number of local residents and businesses were temporarily evacuated but have since been reopened and people have been allowed to return to their properties.

"Inquiries are ongoing in the area and a police scene will remain in place at the address.

"Thank you for your patience whilst we dealt with this incident."