Police have confirmed the incident at Great Yarmouth’s Tesco store was a hoax

Officers were called to Tesco in Pasteur Road shortly after 4pm this afternoon to reports of a suspicious package inside.

A 100 metre cordon was put in place around the scene and the superstore was evacuated.

Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers were called to the scene and safely disposed of the item.

A police spokeswoman said: “Further enquiries have established this incident was a result of a hoax call and investigations continue.

“The cordon is still in place, but is expected to be lifted in due course.”

Chief Superintendent Bob Scully said: “Steps were taken in the interests of public safety and we thank local residents for their patience and understanding during the course of the evening. Police enquiries into this matter continue.”

Police were called to the scene just after 4pm today after a telephoned threat was made to the store.

Staff and customers were evacuated and many headed to nearby B&Q.

An exclusion zone has been set up around the store and Cobholm residents said police had told them this may have to be widened.

The police activity appeared to be centred towards the rear of the store, and the right hand side of the car park. Vehicles remained in the car park as staff and shoppers had to abandon their cars.

There was high police visibility with all entrances and roads to the store blocked off.

Businesses in Jones (GC) Way said a fire alarm started sounding at the store at around 4pm and they could see staff and shoppers gathering in the car park.

Police then arrived and started closing off roads and pavements around the Extra store.