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Army bomb disposal teams were called to rail tracks in Merseyside after reports of “improvised explosive devices” being found on train tracks. A Network Rail warning, shared by the RMT union on social media yesterday, suggested that two devices had been located on the railway at Newton-le-Willows.

The safety notice confirmed the bomb disposal team removed the items and “confirmed the materials inside were flammable, with evidence of spirits and debris, so were likely intended to be incendiary type devices.”

According to the Liverpool Echo, the warning notice included an image of what looks like a plastic bottle covered in foil, with an item sticking out of the top. The report stated that the “devices” were removed to a “designated safe site.”

However, after closer inspection, British Transport Police confirmed the items were actually deemed to be “non-threatening”. A spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: “Officers were called to the line near Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, at 1.16am on September 6 to a report of two suspicious items.

“A cordon was put in place while specialist units attended to assess the items. The items were deemed non-threatening and removed from the railway. The line was handed back at 5.20am.”

The Liverpool Echo understands the initial report came from track workers. A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Railway staff are specially trained to recognise anything unusual on the tracks and report it immediately if it’s a cause for concern.

“We thank our workers for their vigilance in reporting this potential security incident to ensure the safety of passengers and freight, and also to the British Transport Police for their quick response to determine these items did not pose a threat to the railway.”

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