POLICE taped off Abingdon Town Council buildings after a lone backpack roused suspicion.

An officer rummaged through a black and red bag in Roysse Court, Bridge Street, while curious members of the public looked on. 

Gary Cooper, director of Fabulous Flowers opposite the scene, said a customer said it was an abandoned bag that sparked the drama.

Throwing Buns owner Richard Mackay said the tape was taken down soon after.

A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police said: "We were called shortly before 2.30pm today, to a report that a member of the public was concerned about a rucksack which had been left in an alley  to Bridge Street, Abingdon.

"The item was cordoned off while officers ensured it was safe and have located its owner."