There have been unconfirmed reports of a bomb threat outside Chelmsford Police Station this evening.
New Street was closed in both directions between Victoria Road and Tindal Street due to a "police incident".
At around 4.30pm nearby offices were evacuated while the incident was being investigated.
Witnesses say the the road was reopened at around 4.50pm.
Milstrete House directly opposite the station, was evacuated, with employees reporting the bomb disposal unit arrived at the scene.
But it may have been a false alarm as the road was reopened about half and hour later.
Steve Calder, store manager at Bathstore Chelmsford in New Street, did not have to leave the premises.
"There was about half a dozen police cars across the road by the Wheatsheaf, they wouldn't let anyone walk down the road and it was all taped off," he said.
"But about 10, 15 minutes ago cars were allowed back down and the road was back to normal."
