POLICE gave the all-clear early this afternoon after a bomb scare in Dartford town centre.

Roads had been sealed and offices evacuated after a suspect package was found at the county court.

The alarm had been raised at 9.42am and an army bomb disposal unit was called in.

The package was checked and traders and local staff were given the all-clear at about 1pm.

Police officers had sealed off Home Gardens and also closed the roads between East Hill and the junction of Prospect Place. Overy Street was additionally shut off.

Scores of shoppers at nearby Waitrose and other stores in the Orchard Shopping Centre were left stranded for hours during the alert when the Waitrose car park was shut.

One shopper, John Gay, 76, said: "We were coming out of Waitrose and staff said they were shutting the shop because there was a bomb scare.

"The car park was cordoned off and my wife and I waited for hours. We were a bit frustrated but better safe than sorry."

Police were still due to confirm what, if anything, was in the package.