A controlled explosion was carried out in a busy high street last night following reports of a suspect package.

Emergency services including a bomb disposal team, a London Ambulance hazardous area response team and a police helicopter were called to Chingford Mount Road at around 8pm. 

London Fire Brigade (LFB) sent a fire engine and fire rescue unit to assist with the incident. 

A Met spokeswoman, said: "We were called at around 8pm.

"A controlled explosion was carried out at the scene.

"It turned out to be a non-suspicious package."

Police would not reveal what was destroyed. 

Several surrounding roads were closed including New Road, Old Church Road and Hall Lane. 

The incident was over by 9.40pm.  

Reports on social media said the unidentified package was left on a bus. 

A Transport for London (TfL) spokeswoman, said: "At 8.04pm, the bus stand at Albert Crescent was closed due to a security alert. 

"Bus routes were put on diversion and the incident was cleared at around 9.30pm."