UP to 40 homes have been evacuated in Pinehurst following a bomb scare.

Pinetrees Community Centre has been set up as a rest centre by Central North Swindon Parish Council at the request of the police.

One resident, Susan Raine, 69, said: "First I didn't know who it was at the door, I saw the policeman come out of the gate and I opened the door.

"He said 'Can I have a word?' and said we have got to evacuate everyone in the street."

"There's loads and loads of police there, they have cordoned off the road."

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "At approximately 1pm today, we evacuated residents living within Magnolia Court, Pinehurst, Swindon, following the discovery of a suspicious item at an address.

"A room has been provided within the local community centre for local residents during this time if required.

"Explosive Ordinance Disposal are due to attend shortly."

Residents have reacted with shock to the street cordon.

One man, 29, who did not give his name, said: “I thought it was a terrorist incident.”

Lisa Wheeler, 42, said: “You don’t expect it on your own estate.”

Jenny Haynes, 36, was called at work by her 14-year-old son to tell her that police had asked him to leave the house they share. She said: “I don’t really know what’s going on. I’ve lived on this estate for 13 years and I don’t think we’ve ever had the bomb squad here before.”

Carla King, 27, of neighbouring Lilac Court, said: “It’s not great. I’ve just come back from the shops and seen it. My son’s a bit scared.”

Wheelchair-bound Tina Coldwell, 51, said: “About half-an-hour ago we got a knock on the door from a police officer asking us to vacate the house. They cordoned off the street quite a way back.

“There’s always something going on here. But we’ve never had anybody knock on the door before saying we need to get out.”

Casey Osborne, 24, said: “It’s a bit scary.”

UPDATE: The cordons have been removed and many police vehicles have left the scene.

Chris Wickham, acting sergeant, said: "Our colleagues from bomb disposal have carried out an examination.

"I cannot comment on what's been found but the situation was quickly resolved.

"There will be a bit more police activity as searches are carried out, but it's all precautionary, from a safety perspective, we've done all we can."