THE centre of Reading was cordoned off by police after a ‘suspicious’ package was found.

Reports were made to officers at about 8.55am on Thursday (April 6) of a suspicious package in Castle Street.

A police cordon was put in place while officers examined the package which was a closed suitcase.

READ MORE: Who killed the 22 Berkshire people whose murders are still unsolved?

It was later confirmed that there were no ‘suspicious items’ and the cordon was lifted at about 10.05am the same day.

Police have since released a statement about the incident. A spokesperson said: "Thames Valley Police responded to a report of a suspect package in Castle Street, Reading, at 8.55am on Thursday.

“The suitcase was located and a cordon was put in place while the case was examined.

"It was determined that there were no suspicious items in the suitcase and the cordon was lifted at about 10.05am."

However, the incident caused disruption to motorists, bus users and others who were commuting in the central Reading area that morning.

READ MORE: JAILED IN MARCH: Rapists, car thieves, fraudsters and arsonists

Tweeting at the time of the disruption, Reading Buses said: "A police incident affecting Route 1,2,2A,26 and 33. We are currently unable to serve Castle Street. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

It is unknown who the suitcase belonged to and why it had been left in Castle Street.