UPDATE 2.25pm: Wiltshire Police has confirmed that the item has now been removed and the cordon lifted.

SPECIALIST police officers have been called in after an 'item' was discovered at Salisbury Cathedral.

Wiltshire Police have confirmed that the item was discovered in the grounds of The Close.

However, despite these teams being called in, the force says that it doesn't believe the item is suspicious.

They added: "We can confirm that shortly after 11am today we were made aware of an item located in the grounds of The Close, Salisbury.

"As a precautionary measure, police and fire attended and the item is currently being removed.

"Specialist officers will assess the item but we do not believe that this is suspicious.”

Salisbury Journal:

Fire crews at the scene

It comes after emergency services rushed to the cathedral after a man was spotted climbing the scaffolding.

Teams from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue and Wiltshire Police were called to the scene at 10.20am.

A fire spokesperson confirmed that two fire engines and one aerial ladder from Salisbury, along with officers, have been deployed.

Wiltshire Police has confirmed that the man has now come down and taken to "a place of safety".

Salisbury Journal:

The area has been cordoned off.

The scaffolding has been installed at the cathedral while restoration works take place.

More to follow