STOURBRIDGE was brought to a standstill while police dealt with a security alert in the town centre.
Officers closed Lower High Street, Crown Lane and Market Street during the incident, close to the Crown Centre, which began at 2.57pm today (Monday).
Shoppers were evacuated from the area and traffic diverted around the Ring Road away from the scene.
West Midlands Police confirmed an Army bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion at the scene at 4.50pm.
Retailers and traders in within the area sealed off by cops were advised to lock their doors and remain at the rear of their premises.
Speaking shortly after the controlled explosion a police spokesperson said: "All the cordons are expected to be lifted soon."
No details were available about the object which sparked the alert.
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