Key Events
Controlled explosion carried out, but device was not of 'a suspicious nature'
A controlled explosion was carried out of the device, which is now believed to not be of a suspicious nature.” - West Yorkshire Police spokesman
Residents allowed back home
We’re hearing reports that residents have been allowed to return to their homes.
We’ve asked police what the package was — and what that bang was just after 4pm.
What we know so far
A loud bang, believed to be a controlled explosion has been reported after bomb disposal soldiers were called in to Deighton this afternoon.
A large area is still cordoned off and nearby homes have been evacuated.
The Army experts were called in after a major bomb scare in the area.It is believed that a suspect package was found on a wall off Keldregate - a residential street in the heart of Deighton.
Police have cordoned off a large area around Warrenside and have been turning vehicles back on Keldregate and Deighton Road.
The bomb disposal experts arrived at 3.20pm.
Army experts have been working at the scene and a large bang was heard at 4.05pm.
Up to 30 people have now been moved from their homes in Keldregate.
They have been taken to the nearby Deighton Sports Arena.
Hot drinks are being served to people in the main sports hall at the Arena.
Golcar removals man Simon Fitzpatrick was working in Deighton with his boss Stephen Taylor when he spotted the package on the wall.
He said he went to take a closer look and thought it looked odd.
He said: “It was a plastic Tuppaware box with black gaffa tape and two wires hanging down the wall. “All I could see was a piece of clear pipe sticking out ans two wires hanging off it.”
Simon’s boss Stephen decided to report it to police, who came and put tape around the area.
Simon added: “I only just found out[ [about the army], a friend called and said the bomb squad was there.
“It looked like a classic budget film bomb. I thought it was better to be safe than sorry.”
Police update
Police were called to Hurstwood, Deighton around 12pm today following reports of a suspicious package at the location. Local residents have been evacuated, whilst specialist officers attend to assess the package.” - West Yorkshire Police spokesman
We've spoken to the man who spotted the package
Golcar removals man Simon Fitzpatrick was working in Deighton with his boss Stephen Taylor when he spotted the package on the wall.
He said he went to take a closer look and thought it looked odd.
He said: “It was a plastic Tuppaware box with black gaffa tape and two wires hanging down the wall.
“All I could see was a piece of clear pipe sticking out ans two wires hanging off it.”
Simon’s boss Stephen decided to report it to police, who came and put tape around the area.
Simon added: “I only just found out[ [about the army], a friend called and said the bomb squad was there.
“It looked like a classic budget film bomb. I thought it was better to be safe than sorry.”
Residents evacuated to Deighton Sports Centre
A large number of residents have now been moved from their homes in Keldregate.
They have been taken to the nearby Deighton Sports Arena.
Hot drinks are being served to people in the main sports hall at the Arena.
Loud bang heard
Army experts have been working at the scene and a large bang was heard at 4.05pm.
Our reporter Robert Sutcliffe is at the scene
Reporter Robert Sutcliffe said police have taped off a large area of Keldregate from its junction with Warrenside on towards Deighton Road.
It is believed the package was found on a wall outside a small parade of shops.
They include Keldregate Stores, Deighton Stores and a dental surgery.
Police are keeping people well back behind a cordon.
Soldiers called to Deighton
Bomb disposal soldiers have been called in to Deighton this afternoon.
The Army experts were called in after a major bomb scare in the area.It is believed that a suspect package was found on a wall off Keldregate - a residential street in the heart of Deighton.
Police have cordoned off a large area around Warrenside and have been turning vehicles back on Keldregate and Deighton Road.
The bomb disposal experts arrived at 3.20pm and have started setting up their equipment.
It is not known if homes in the area have been evacuated.A large number of people are watching the events unfold.