Bomb disposal experts have carried out a controlled explosion at Good Hope Hospital after a suspicious package was discovered.

The A&E department was evacuated shortly after 8.20am and police closed Rectory Road at Bedford Road.

Hundreds of patients were turned away from the hospital while an explosive ordnance disposal team took the painstaking steps to make the package safe.

Staff were told to use an alternative entrance while the police cordon remained in place.

A controlled explosion of the package was carried out within the toilets in the A&E department shortly before 11am, West Midlands Police said.

A police spokesman said: "Following an examination of the device, we can now reveal that the package was a hoax."

Roads surrounding the hospital were reopened around midday and the A&E department was reopened at 2pm.

Lisa Dunn, hospital director, said: "Following a full inspection of the site by the police we have now received confirmation that Good Hope Hospital is safe and it is currently returning to full operation.

"We will shortly be receiving ambulances and from 2pm visitors will be able to access the site.

"Anyone with an outpatient appointment for tomorrow is being asked to turn-up as normal.

"Thank you to everyone involved in securing the site and supporting the team at Good Hope who have done an excellent job, despite very difficult circumstances, in continuing to deliver care for our patients."

Anyone with information should contact Birmingham North police on 0345 113 5000 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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