UPDATE

The cordon has been lifted and the train station has been reopened.

A spokesman for Weymouth Police said: "We were called at 3.10pm today, Wednesday 5 December 2018, to reports that a suspicious item had been found at the Lantern Resource Centre on Ranelagh Road in Weymouth.

"Following an investigation by officers and in close liaison with the army’s bomb disposal team, it has been confirmed the item poses no risk.

"All cordons have now been lifted.

"We would like to thank all those affected members of public for their understanding and our partner agencies for their assistance."

Here's what we reported earlier:

The army bomb disposal unit was called and buildings evacuated after a suspicious item was left outside the Lantern Trust. 

More of today's news:

Weymouth Station was also been evacuated and cordoned off and at least ten police cars are at the scene.

Residents of nearby buildings are also being evacuated.

Police were called at 3.10pm today to a report that a suspicious item had been found at the Lantern Trust on Ranelagh Road in Weymouth.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "As a precaution the building has been evacuated and the surrounding area cordoned off while enquiries are carried out to establish what the item is." 

The Army’s bomb disposal team have been called to attend.

Road closures include Stanley Street at the junction with Queen Street, Queen Street at the junction with King Street and Ranelagh Road at the junction with Derby Street.

Police have requested members of the public stay away from the area until the incident is concluded.

UPDATE

Our reporter Caroline Lewis is on the scene and is speaking to residents who have been told to leave their homes.

UPDATE

Trains are not running to or from Weymouth due to a signalling incident. It is not known if this is connected.