RESIDENTS were told to “stay indoors” after police were called to the scene of a suspected unexploded mortar shell.

Roads around the Eastbourne Road area of Brighton were closed and a cordon set up following reports of the unexploded ordinance as a precaution.

The explosives ordnance disposal team removed the shell from the scene, to allow for a controlled detonation to take place safely elsewhere.

A police spokesman said that there was “no risk to the public”.

He also said it was believed that the shell was “innocently bought by a member of the public”.

Brighton and Hove Police thanked the public “for their patience while road closures were in place”.