Buildings near a train station in the southern state of Bavaria were evacuated as a precaution on Thursday after police said that an object found on the tracks could contain explosives.

Investigators later determined that the object was not an explosive, although criminal police were continuing work at the scene.

A technician had discovered the suspicious item in the track bed at the entrance to the station in the town of Treuchtlingen.

Specialists X-rayed the object, which was also lifted using a robot to allow further investigations.

Road and rail closures remain in place while the investigation continues. Regional services are affected, with trains terminating early at suitable stations. Replacement buses and large-capacity taxis have been arranged.

Long-distance services are being diverted via the city of Ingolstadt. Police have urged people to avoid the area and take alternative routes.

Edited by: Rob Turner

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