Updated: IT was a case of “when is a bomb not a bomb” for police in Selby.

The answer was, when it turns out to be part of a Citroen car.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes and roads were cordoned off after a man brought the device into the Portholme Road police station shortly before 1pm, believing he had found a grenade.

The man, who was described by police as “acting with good intention”, left the round green object outside the station and alerted officers.

Insp Chris Witty, of Selby Safer Neighbourhood team, said: “Police were called at around 12:50pm after a suspicious item, believed to be an explosive device, was brought into Selby police station by a concerned member of the public.

“Due to its nature, a cordon of 100 metres was placed around Selby police station and nearby homes and businesses were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

“The device was brought in to the police station in good faith and the necessary precautions taken. The item was green in colour with yellow writing on it – resembling an explosive device. In this instance it was better to be safe than sorry.”

The part was in fact a compression unit from a car’s suspension. Council staff at the nearby civic centre were evacuated as well as those at Community House, which is home to a number of charities. Police also coned off the road and stopped shoppers getting to the nearby Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets.

Lucy Hearld, 22, was unable to return to her home in nearby Park Street because of the evacuation.

“I live with my friend and I had been out in town and the police stopped me and wouldn’t let me through,” she said.

“I don’t mind if it’s going to be something major. It was a bit of an inconvenience but it’s better to be safe.”

The device was eventually recognised by members of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and people were allowed back in their homes at 2.30pm. The device is believed to have been taken away by the army.