Two roads were closed and a police cordon was put in place after an unattended bag was left at a coronavirus testing site.

Police flooded Watford town centre yesterday afternoon (April 1) around 5.40pm after being called to a report of a suspicious package being left at the new rapid testing site on the Parade by the pond.

A cordon was set-up on the Parade while Rickmansworth Road and St Albans Road were shut as officers investigated the item, which was an unattended olive-coloured Army-style bag.

Watford Observer: The rapid testing centre in The Parade in Watford. Credit: Peter Taylor, Mayor of WatfordThe rapid testing centre in The Parade in Watford. Credit: Peter Taylor, Mayor of Watford

Hertfordshire Constabulary says it closed the roads because of the proximity to the site.

One person who was at the scene said shops and restaurants on the Parade had been evacuated as officers dealt with the bag.

The bag was examined further by specialist officers and found to be personal property of no danger, police said.

The closures and cordon were lifted shortly after.