Bluewater will open as normal today after last night's controlled explosion of an unattended package.

The shopping centre reopened just before its scheduled closing time of 10pm on Saturday following a partial evacuation.

Hundreds of shoppers were caught up in drama after the package led to a large part of the centre being evacuated.

Shoppers said they heard a bang just before 9pm and they had been told it was a controlled explosion.

Bluewater tweeted at 9.55pm: "The incident is now concluded and Bluewater is open. For further information please contact Kent police, thanks."

Kent Police have now confirmed it was 'just a harmless package.'

A spokesman said: "Officers have been dealing with a security alert at Bluewater shopping centre this evening after a package was discovered unattended.

"Several shops were evacuated as a precaution and police officers were deployed to ensure everybody was safe.

"A controlled explosion was carried out on the package, and was found to be harmless.

"Enquiries are underway to establish who owns the package and why it was left unattended."

Chief Superintendent Andrea Bishop said: ‘The safety of the public is our top priority and I would like to thank all the staff and shoppers at Bluewater for their co-operation.’

Earlier, a bomb disposal team had arrived at the shopping centre.

Witnesses at the centre said the area evacuated ran approximately from Marks and Spencer to the food hall.

It was the second time in two days parts of the centre have been emptied for an emergency.

Yesterday, a fire started in the Village section of the Greenhithe mall - between John Lewis and House of Fraser.

Bluewater later tweeted to say it was a "small electrical fire" that was nothing to worry about.

Witnesses tonight reported Bluewater giving everyone five minutes to get out of the centre, before starting a lockdown.

But Greenhithe couple Adam and Stephanie Jenner arrived at the shopping centre just after 8pm as other shoppers were still reporting they had been asked to leave.

Mr Jenner, 35, said he and his wife had no problems getting into Bluewater. "We are having a lovely meal and it seems busy," he said half an hour after arriving.

Mrs Jenner, 34, said she overheard a staff member in Zara say the package had been found in Top Shop.

The upper floor between John Lewis and M&S where the fashion store is located was shut off, as was the lower floor.

"Some shoppers were sitting down but the police said they could still get to the car parks by using other exits and walking around.

"We had a meal in La Tasca and you wouldn't even have known what was going on. All the restaurants were busy."

Some shoppers have hit out at what they say was a lack of official information during the incident.