Train and bus services to parts of Bradford were badly disrupted last night after two suspect packages were discovered in Bradford Interchange.

Police cordoned off roads around the complex in the city centre after the two parcels were found in litter bins in the bus station at about 4.45pm.

Army bomb disposal experts were called in and used a robot to carry out controlled explosions on the two parcels, which were believed to contain magazines.

Security staff criticised passengers who ignored their requests to leave the Interchange when it was decided to evacuate the area. The packages - wrapped in newspaper and covered in sticky tape - were found one after the other by a cleaner emptying bins on A and B platforms.

Paul Sandberg, boss of Delta One Security, which is employed to patrol the Interchange, evacuating the station began at 6pm.

"I just cannot believe the lack of notice people took of us when we were trying to evacuate the area," he said.

The all clear was given about 30 minutes after the controlled explosions at 8.30pm and the roads were gradually re-opened.

A spokesman for Northern Spirit said the alert caused "considerable disruption" to train services.

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