There was drama outside an Aldi store as the bomb squad was called to blow up a suspicious package - but for some shoppers it was nothing more than a mere "inconvenience".

The package, understood to be full of batteries, was found at the store in the Gateway Retail Park on Tower Road in Pakefield, near Lowestoft.

Police put a 100-metre cordon in place in front of Aldi and The Gym Group allowing the bomb disposal unit to successfully and safely detonate the package in a controlled explosion.

Suffolk Police said road and building closures in Tower Road and the surrounding area have been lifted after the "suspicious item was not found to pose any threat to the public".

But some shoppers at the retail park expressed frustration at the delays.

Lowestoft Journal: Derek Faulkner, 72, is glad nobody was hurt and is annoyed he cannot get on with his shoppingDerek Faulkner, 72, is glad nobody was hurt and is annoyed he cannot get on with his shopping (Image: Mick Howes)

Derek Faulkner, 72, of Beach Farm in Pakefield, said it was nothing more than an "inconvenience".

Mr Faulkner said: "I think it is quite ridiculous really, dozens and dozens of servicemen here who won't tell us anything.

"All I wanted to do was go to Aldi and crack on with my shopping, I don't understand why there isn't any transparency, if anything it has just scared everyone needlessly.

"Anyway, I am glad everyone is safe and nobody is hurt but I struggle to believe it was anything serious, it is annoying as far as I am concerned."

READ MORE: The 'refuseniks' who refused to evacuate their homes for the Yarmouth bomb explosion

Lowestoft Journal: The bomb disposal robot at workThe bomb disposal robot at work (Image: Mick Howes)

Lowestoft Journal: The bomb disposal robot at workThe bomb disposal robot at work (Image: Mick Howes)

READ MORE: Cordon in place after unidentified package is discovered

While for Anne Bloggs seeing the bomb disposal team and vast numbers of police, it reminded her of an IRA attempted attack she witnessed in 1992.

The retired Pakefield resident said: “I just want to do my shopping and am mildly frustrated that I got a bus here specifically come to Aldi and it won’t be open for a few hours, I shall have to do my shopping elsewhere. 

“I remember the IRA’s bomb explosion at Tottenham Court Road and my tube being cancelled and the extreme police presence there, that was terrifying and nothing compared to that, but this incident has reminded me of that moment."

Lowestoft Journal: The aftermath of the bomb disposal The aftermath of the bomb disposal (Image: Bruno Brown)

Lowestoft Journal: The bomb disposal robot at workThe bomb disposal robot at work (Image: Mick Howes)