One of the south's airports was closed today after discarded bags of duty free goods sparked a security alert.

The alert began this morning when passengers were evacuated from Bournemouth Airport after a number of suspect packages were found outside the doors of the main terminal.

Emergency services immediately closed the airport and the main road outside, which sparked traffic chaos on surrounding routes.

But after three hours of passengers delays and major traffic jams on nearby roads the alert was stood down and the airport reopened.

After a controlled explosion police confirmed that the bags only contained cosmetics and two bottles of alcohol.

Two flights were due to leave the airport this morning including a flight to Amsterdam which was affected, while emergency services dealt with the alert.

Anyone due to fly from the airport today was advised to contact their tour operator or airline before travelling.