Bomb disposal experts have carried out a controlled explosion at a derelict crisp factory after demolition contractors discovered "potentially hazardous" substance.

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At around 3.30pm, police closed Allerton Road in both directions and evacuated any members of the public from the area surrounding the site.

A quantity of the hazardous substance was placed into a hole that had been dug between two skips and a controlled explosion took place.

Bomb disposal officers from the Royal Logistics Corps were then seen to leave the site just after 4pm.

Police said the discovery was made at 6.50pm yesterday, and the area was cordoned off.

The bomb disposal experts arrived at the scene just before 2pm, joining a number of police vehicles parked on the forecourt of the building.

Officers in camouflage uniform could be seen with contractors and police moving around within cordoned off area.

Police stood guard at the edge of the cordon to prevent any members of the public gaining access to the site.

Work on the demolition of the building, which is being done by the Bradford-based Thomas Crompton Developments Limited, had been completely stopped during the incident.

Workmen are in the process of demolishing the former Seabrook Crisps site in Allerton Road to allow a new Aldi supermarket to be built.

The substance was not thought to pose any immediate risk to the public.

The site has been vacant since 2004 and suffered a major arson attack in May last year, which destroyed the third floor and roof of the building.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: