An investigation was continuing today after a suspect package which a bomb disposal team blew up at a Territorial Army centre turned out to be military equipment.

The security scare happened yesterday outside the TA base in Tynemouth, North Tyneside.

Police threw a 100 metre exclusion zone around the centre and the premises were evacuated.

Bomb experts were called in and they decided to destroy the package in a controlled explosion, but later discovered it was military equipment which police said had been "discarded."

Inspector Jim Paxton said today:"Following a normal search of the TA compound, a package was found near the perimeter fence alongside Newcastle Terrace.

"The army followed their normal procedures and evacuated the premises and we put a cordon around the base.

"The army disposal team examined the package and decided on a controlled explosion.

"When it was re-examined it was found to be discarded military equipment."

An army spokeswoman said the equipment had not been"discarded" and had probably been left by mistake.

She added:"This was a false alarm with good intent and all the proper procedures were followed.

"There will be an internal inquiry to find out what happened."