A bomb scare brought Halstead to a standstill, while a suspect package was exploded.
The High Street was cordoned off and an Army bomb disposal unit called to the Royal Mail sorting office, where the package was found.
Residents and shoppers stood around with evacuated post workers today as police sealed off the junction between High Street and Chapel Street.
The package - found to be short-circuited batteries- was exploded at around 11.40am.
Postwoman Carla Dickenson first heard the package bang, and felt it was hot.
She said: "There was a massive 'boom' noise. It was in front of me in a bag and shocked the hell out of me.
"Everyone came round to see what it was, it was only a small package but quite violent so they ran it outside and called the police."
- More in tomorrow's Gazette
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article