Staff and shoppers were evacuated from the Somerfield Store in Monnow Street, and no vehicles were able to get into or out of the bus station.

A police spokesman told The Beacon on Tuesday afternoon:

"At 9.43am on Tuesday, Monmouth Police call centre received a call from a male stating he had planted a bomb in Somerfield Car Park.

"The area was quickly cordoned off and the store evacuated and closed, whilst police took the necessary action to make local businesses and residents safe.

"Following a search of the store and car park, normal business resumed at 11.30am". Police vehicles were used to close off the roads and police dogs also assisted in the search for the alleged bomb. Picture by Tom Dudziec-Durn