A BOMB scare was sparked after a package marked 'only open if you are expert in the Quran' was left in a church.

See updates on Facebook

Police were called to SS Peter and St Paul's Church, in The Green, Chingford, at 9.10pm last night.

The medium sized package was marked: 'Please do not read unless you are an expert on the Quran. Very seriously dangerous. Please.'

The Metropolitan Police were called and found the package, left on the doorstep of the church, to be a bible wrapped inside a white tea towel.  

The package was found at a Zumba class held at the church every week.

Jessica Worth, who was taking part, took photos and alerted the police.

She told the Guardian Series: "I took photos and passed the information to the police.

"At first when I saw it I did think it was a hoax as nothing like this has ever happened in the area.

"Then, I thought it could be something serious due to everything happening in the news.

"I'm glad I did as children use that hall for nursery and people walk past it every day."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Reverend Andy Trennier, in charge of the parish, told the Guardian Series: "It was a pretty distressing prank.

"There was a moment when we didn't know what it was which was pretty worrying, but it comes with the territory of being an urban church.

"I wasn't scared because the police were very professional, came round immediately and made the place very safe."

He is urging members of the church not to shy away from visiting in light of the scare.

He added: "The church is more open than it's ever been - it's full of activity. Things like this aren't going to make a difference to us.

"The best way to make the church safe is to keep it open and free."

Police say they are not investigating as no offence was committed.