A MAIN route in and out of Bournemouth is experiencing long delays in both directions following the discovery of a possible unexploded device.

Police were called to the scene of the incident at Ensbury Bridge after the suspected ordnance was found in the river.

The A347 New Road was slow for vehicles in both directions from Parley Cross, West Parley, to the Northbourne roundabout.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "Dorset Police received a report at 1.31pm on Tuesday, June 8, of a possible unexploded device in the river under the bridge on New Road in Bournemouth.

"Officers are currently in attendance and liaising with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to assess the device and make it safe. "

There were reports of heavy traffic in the area as a result of the incident.

It was reported that the roads were very slow at the Parley Cross lights, while vehicles are queuing in Ringwood Road and Castle Lane West.

Vehicles diverting due to the traffic was causing delays on A341 Wimborne Road and A348 Ringwood Road.

Providing an update, the police spokeswoman confirmed the device was removed by EOD experts at around 4.05pm.

Traffic delays have since eased.