Police evacuated a section of the central Ontario community of Lindsay on Saturday after discovering what authorities believed was a pipe bomb.

The Ontario Provincial Police bomb disposal unit detonated the device that found was in a backpack.

Police say the backpack was discovered in Lindsay's downtown core as hundreds of runners were taking part in a fundraising run.

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There were no injuries, but as a precaution police ordered occupants of businesses and residents of some apartments out of their homes.

They were allowed to return home Saturday night.

Police say a forensic examination will be conducted to determine the components of the device.

Investigators are asking the public to contact police about any suspicious activity in the area Saturday morning and are also looking for surveillance video from area businesses.