A COAST road closed in both directions for nearly five and a half hours with the bomb squad in attendance.

Police received reports at 9.04am of "a possible unexploded device" in Market Street, Abbotsbury.

The road has since been closed in both directions with a 100-metre cordon put in place for the safety of the public.

The B3157 is currently clossed between the junctions of Abbotsbury Hill and Rodden Row.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) had been requested to attend in order to check the item and make it safe.

Heavy traffic was being reported prior to the road re-opened shortly before 2.30pm.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "The B3157 West Street in Abbotsbury has reopened following a report of a possible unexploded device.

"The EOD has attended and removed the item. We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while the road closure was in place."

Dorset Echo: AA Live Travel Maps showing the area affected (as of 12.37pm).AA Live Travel Maps showing the area affected (as of 12.37pm).