BOMB disposal experts have declared a false alarm after a 'suspicious package' in Helensburgh turned out to be paperwork in an envelope.

Ministry of Defence Police and army officials attended Churchill Square after receiving a call shortly before 9am on Friday morning.

Police cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby residents from homes and buildings as a precaution while the item was examined.

However, area inspector Roddy MacNeill confirmed just after midday that the package had been inspected and the authorities were no longer treating it as suspicious.

He said: "Police were called due to the location of the package near to the wheel of a vehicle in a car park in Churchill Square.

"Ministry of Defence Police and Police Scotland officers attended and the army were called for their expert opinion as it was deemed to be suspicious.

"Equipment was used to disrupt the package before it was looked at and it was found to be paperwork in an envelope.

"No crime was committed and nothing untoward happened. It's suspected that the package was dropped by somebody near to the Royal Navy welfare building."