PEOPLE are beginning to return to their homes and businesses after a bomb scare in Worcester city centre earlier today.

Bomb disposal teams carried out a controlled explosion inside County House on St Mary's Street, after hundreds of people in the area were evacuated by police and fire crews.

Worcester Crown Court was among the buildings affected and a number of trials were postponed.

Traffic was diverted away from the area and roads were closed as part of a 100-metre cordon around the building.

Chief Inspector for operations at South Worcestershire Police, Sharon Gibbons, said: "Police lifted the 100 metre cordon around County House just before 3pm and people are returning to their homes and businesses. Nearby roads are now open.

"Officers continue their investigations at the building itself and into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"South Worcestershire Police would like to thank residents and workers in the area for their co-operation during the incident."

• See tomorrow's Worcester News for more.