The organisers of Measham Car Boot have explained twhat happened yesterday (Sunday) when a bomb squad was called in - after what seemed to be an 'explosive device' was spotted.

It has since been confirmed that the object was a mobility scooter battery.

Police set up an exclusion zone round the Car Boot site off Bosworth Road when the alarm was raised at around 9.25am.

Bomb squad called in as police shut down Measham car boot.

A controlled explosion took place and people were allowed to return to their cars.

Now the organisers have explained on their Facebook page why the event had to be shut down.

Their post reads: "Dear friends, as you know from our strict Covid precautions, our number one priority is to keep our loyal customers and staff as safe as possible.

"So, when a suspect package that resembled an home-made explosive device was spotted on the car park, we didn't hesitate to notify the police and cordon off the area.

"The police arrived and they agreed it looked like an home made bomb so we closed the Car Boot.

"The bomb squad attended and carried out a controlled explosion once the fire brigade arrived.

"Ultimately it turned out to be a false alarm but it's best to be safe than sorry.

"We are grateful to our loyal followers who co-operated fully throughout this drama. Many thanks Tara, Mick and team."

The Facebook page later explained that the item was a "Mobility scooter battery in black polythene, white polystyrene and electrical tape with wires sticking out. Looked as if it could have been an home made explosive. We had to err on the side of caution."

One man commented that his car had been damaged by the controlled explosion and that he would have to claim on his own insurance policy.