PART of Fawley refinery was cordoned off today following reports of a suspicious package.

Members of Hampshire Constabulary flocked to the scene, setting up a zone around the package while it was investigated.

The conference centre at the site was evacuated as a precaution.

The scene was cordoned off while the item was assessed and found to be of no risk to the public.

The cordon has now been lifted and workers at the refinery have been allowed back on to the site.

Police now say there was no danger to members of the public or those working at the refinery at any time.

Sergeant Deborah Holman said: “We have to treat reports of suspicious packages seriously but it was quickly ascertained that this was a case of some property left at the site in good faith and with no intention of causing alarm or harm to those working at the refinery.”