A police cordon put in place along Margate seafront following a report of a suspicious package has now been lifted.
The area from Nayland to the Imperial was shut, as were side roads including Eaton Road. Flats above businesses from Flamingo arcade to Wetherspoon and at Albert Terrace were evacuated and an Army bomb disposal team was called in.
The cordon was put in place after the package, understood to have been an unattended suitcase, was found by the beach.
A police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called following a report of a suspicious package in Marine Drive, Margate at 5.50pm on Sunday 8 October.
“Officers attended the scene and put a cordon in place to assist experts from the Ministry of Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
“The item was found to pose no risk to public safety and the cordons were lifted shortly after 9.30pm.
“Officers would like to thank local residents and businesses for their cooperation while the incident was responded to.”
