THE centre of Romsey came to a standstill after a suspicious package was sent to the office of MP Caroline Nokes.

A letter containing brown powder was opened by staff at the Romsey and Southampton North MP’s office yesterday morning, sparking a mass response by emergency staff outside the Conservative Club. It saw Market Place and Church Street shut off for the middle of the day as cordons were put in place and forensic officers swept the scene.

Around 20 vehicles from Hampshire Fire and Rescue, police and ambulance staff littered the streets, parked in front of Market Place and Romsey Abbey as police battled to discover what the substance was.

After a cordon was in place for around four hours, police then revealed that the brown powder was in fact harmless, and that they were now investigating a ‘serious’ hoax.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 11am after staff in the Immigration Minister’s constituency office opened a letter that arrived yesterday morning through the post.

A staff member inside the office exclusively told the Echo: “The letter looked immediately suspicious and upon opening it, we then followed our emergency procedure and called the police.

“It was very worrying, it’s not something we’re used to and it came as a shock.

“We never make that call to the emergency services lightly, and appreciate that in a close-knit market town like Romsey, it would have caused a disturbance. For that, we thank community members for their understanding.

“The letter did contain a coloured powder and the forensic officers and police kept us informed and we felt very safe throughout.

“All of us in the office want to thank the terrific work of the emergency services in keeping us, and the people of Romsey, safe.”

Caroline Nokes, who was in London at the time, said: “At this stage it appears this was a hoax and I am relieved that all those involved are safe and well. My thanks, of course, go to the emergency services who have dealt with the incident so swiftly and professionally.”

Romsey Town Centre Manager Mark Edgerley was also quick to praise emergency services.

He said: “I was very impressed with the rapid and effective response of the blue light services and others who came to this incident. It was very reassuring to see how quickly the police resources were increased, as per their protocols, as the incident developed.”

Hampshire police added:” Following tests, we can confirm that the substance is not hazardous.”