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Officers confirmed the bustling Potsdam market, 18 miles from Berlin, was evacuated following concerns over a "suspicious object".

Officials later confirmed the package was an improvised explosive device – packed with nails, fireworks, batteries and wires.

A convoy of special forces made their way to the scene on Brandenburger Strasse, along with a bomb disposal unit specialised in dealing with homemade devices.

The package has since been disarmed by officials, with people on the scene reporting a loud bang as it was obliterated by a water cutter.

While a statement from officers has confirmed the device was "not flammable", they are refusing to rule out a "political motive" in their investigations.

The object was described by the Potsdamer Neueste Nachrichten newspaper as a package measuring 40x50 cm.

It was sent to a nearby Pharmacy as a "special delivery" – but as the shop's owner opened the package he discovered "some weird wires poking through" and informed the authorities.