A STRANGE smelling parcel was at the centre of a bomb alert after it was delivered to a butcher's shop.

Police and bomb disposal officers quickly arrived at Fred Simpson and Son, in Cockfield, County Durham, yesterday morning after concerns the package could contain a bomb or dangerous chemicals.

Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm. After examination, the package was found to contain nothing more dangerous than vegetables.

There were fears that the butcher's shop, which is renowned for its locally sourced meat, might have been targeted by animal rights extremists.

Staff at the shop said the parcel gave off a smell and decided to call police when a powdery substance leaked out.

Acting Sergeant Jeremy Downing, of Barnard Castle police, said there were concerns that the package might contain dangerous chemicals and the parcel was taken to the shop's back yard and x-rayed by the bomb disposal team.

He said: "There was a possibility that this could have been animal rights extremists. In view of the location, extra care had to be taken.

"The immediate area around the package was protected, as is the normal procedure in these cases.

"Under such circumstances, the bomb disposal teams are normally called as they have the necessary equipment and expertise."

However, Acting Sgt Downing said the shop did the right thing in raising the alarm.

He said: "It looked like it could be some sort of chemical-related matter, but it was nothing like that when it was investigated.

"It was subsequently found to be some vegetables and after investigation, it was found who the parcel was from.

"They did the right thing by calling us. They weren't happy with the parcel.

"Although there was nothing malicious, it could have turned out to be something very different."