A bomb scare that prompted road closures and residents in West Hampstead to be kept inside their houses was due to a motorbike chained to some railings, police have said.

On February 21, residents found streets cordoned off for almost two hours as officers investigated a “suspect package” outside West Hampstead Police Station.

The vehicle turned out to be a false alarm.

A police spokesman said: “On Saturday, 21 February at 1922 hours, police discovered a motorbike chained to railings outside West Hampstead Police Station.

“Road closures were put in place at Hillfield Road as the vehicle was treated as suspicious.

“Checks were conducted and the registered keeper was identified. The vehicle was deemed non suspicious.

“Road closures were lifted at 21:12 hours.”