The bomb squad carried out two controlled explosions in the heart of Cambridge and just yards away from the city's famous King's College.

The suspicious package outside Great St Mary's Church was blown up at around 9.50pm.

The moment the loud bang was heard was captured on video.

A number of shops, businesses, and colleges around King's Parade were evacuated earlier in the evening.

Diners at the Cambridge Chop House were also evacuated after a police cordon was set up just after 7.30pm.

Nearby student accommodation was also evacuated as a precaution, with a heavy police presence at the scene.

It is not yet known how many people have been evacuated due to the suspicious package incident, but King's Parade is expected to be closed off for some time.

A police spokesman said they were called to King’s Parade at 7.42pm after reports of a suspicious package outside Great St Mary’s Church.

After the controlled explosions King's Parafe re-opened to the public.

The incident comes in the wake of heightened security following the recent atrocities in London and Manchester.

Police confirmed today there will be more armed police on the streets of Cambridge.

Below you can read our updates from the scene as the drama unfolded.