A bomb squad was called in after a suspicious item was discovered on Weymouth seafront.

The army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was sent to the scene and police set up a perimeter to stop pedestrians entering the area. Some businesses were evacuated.

A 100-metre cordon around a section of The Esplanade was put in place west of the Jubilee Clock.

Police said it was possible the item was uncovered during the levelling works on Weymouth Beach.

Police said they were called at 1.23pm on Friday to reports of a suspicious item which has a "weathered look," and that the army bomb disposal team were called to make it safe.

A witness said that the suspicious item was found on the beach and handed in to the old Tourist Information Centre, and Weymouth and Portland police said it was "highly possible that the item was located as a result of the recent works carried out on the beach."

Police lifted the cordon at around 4.30pm. There is no confirmation on what the suspicious item was or if it was dangerous.

Weymouth and Portland Police said on social media: "Road closures have now been lifted in Weymouth town centre. A cordon was put in place so we could safely deal with a suspicious package that was located near to the Esplanade.

"An Army bomb disposal team was called so we could clear the item as being safe.

"It is highly possible that the item was located as a result of the recent works carried out on the beach. Thank you for your patience whilst we dealt with the incident."

First Dorset posted on social media earlier: "There is major disruption to all our services that serve Weymouth King Statue. The road is temporarily closed by the Police. We are currently diverting our services using King Street outside the depot as a temporary stop. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and we will provide updates when services resume to normal route."