Suspected bomb discovered near railway track

Passengers faced train disruptions this morning after a suspected bomb was discovered at a housing development near the tracks.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said they were called just after 09:00 BST after "a piece of expected unexploded ordnance was discovered" at Whiteley Meadows, Curbridge.

A cordon was put in place and officers from British Transport Police, and Network Rail, assisted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team who made the area safe.

People travelling between Eastleigh and Fareham were effected by the discovery which prompted a brief halt in services along the line, Network Rail confirmed.

A Network Rail spokesperson: "We were contacted by the emergency services regarding a suspected unexploded bomb in close proximity to the railway near Botley.

"In order to protect passengers, we blocked the line in that area.

"Following further investigations by explosives experts, it transpired that the item was a training device. Normal working has been resumed.

"We thank passengers for their patience during these investigations."