HUNDREDS of people were evacuated from Kingston town centre this afternoon after there was a bomb scare in Marks and Spencer.

Just after 12.30pm, members of the public phoned the police after they noticed an unattended brief case at the store in Clarence Street. 

Staff and shoppers were evacuated from the building and road closures were placed in Clarence Street, Fife Street and Dolphin Street.

Police evacuated surrounding shops, leaving hundreds of people watching in the pouring rain.

Topshop worker Sabinah Ellahi, 19, was evacuated from the shop, which is next to Marks and Spencer. She said: "It was quite scary, I was serving at the till and a couple of police officer came in. They told us that we had to get out but didn't tell us what the problem was.

"Everything outside the shop was tapped off and other businesses were standing and watching.  About 45 minutes later we were told we could go back in. It was quite exciting."

Next worker, Lee Penfold, 20, was on his way to start his shift, when he noticed that the centre of the town had been cordoned off.

He said: "I hadn't started work yet but as I walked into the town, everyone was outside. People didn't seem that nervous, everyone was quite excited that something like this was happening."

At around 2.04pm, specialist explosive officers destroyed the package using a controlled explosion and cordons were lifted. It is believed that this was a precautionary measure and that the briefcase might not have been dangerous.

Staff re-entered the shop just after 2.30pm and the store re-opened to the public at 3pm.

A small part of the ladies footwear section was damaged during the explosion and remains closed.

The fire brigade and ambulance also attended the scene.

A spokesman for Marks and Spencer, said: "Kingston Marks and Spencer was closed and evacuated as a precautionary measure due to a suspect package which was located in the store. Police were quick in response and at about 3pm, the store resumed trading."