Train lines reopened after reports of 'suspicious package'

As previously reported, a security alert had been affecting the railway in Winchester and across the South due to an incident at Basingstoke Railway Station.

On the morning of Wednesday, April 3, all train lines at Basingstoke were blocked, with disruption initially expected until 3pm.

READ MORE: Winchester trains affected as lines blocked at Basingstoke in security alert

Police were on the scene in Basingstoke, with members of the public told that they were not allowed to cross Alencon Link close to the station.

Train and bus passengers congregated near to The Malls while waiting for public transport to resume.

Winchester Railway Station at 10am this morning (April 3) (Image: Nick Wray)

It was confirmed by British Transport Police that the station had been closed following reports of a suspicious package.

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The incident disrupted train lines across the South, with commuters stuck in various stations including Winchester as they awaited an update.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: "British Transport Police were called to Basingstoke railway station at around 8.16am today (Wednesday, April 3) following reports of a suspicious package.

"Specialist officers are in attendance to assess the item, and the station is currently closed while the incident is ongoing.”

It was confirmed not long after that the item had been declared as non-suspicious, with the station reopened shortly afterwards, although police remained at Basingstoke station initially following the incident.

British Transport Police has said that no arrests have been made in connection the incident.