A “suspicious package” caused the partial evacuation and closure of Erith Town Hall on Monday, leading to bomb disposal officers being called in.

In a statement, Bexley council confirmed the town hall, which houses the authority’s council tax services, was closed from about 12.45pm after concern was raised about a “suspect package”.

“In accordance with our standard procedure, the police were called. On their advice part of the building was evacuated and the reception area was closed,” a council spokesperson told the local democracy reporting service.

“Police cordons were placed around the outside of the Town Hall as a precaution. Following police advice, bomb disposal officers were called.”

“They carried out further checks and found that the package did not pose a threat.”

The spokesperson said regular operations resumed since 2.15pm.