An imitation grenade caused traffic chaos after police closed junctions to a roundabout.
Motorists were advised to avoid the A130 junction with the A127 at Rettendon after police closed all approaches after someone spotted what they thought was a hand grenade on a roundabout.
Police were contacted at 7.50am by a passing motorist who reported seeing the object.
Officers attended and closed all approaching roads as a precaution while they waited for experts from Colchester Army barracks to attend.
The closures were: The A127 at its junction with the A129 Sadlers Farm to the A130 The A13 underpass to Sadlers Farm The A130 Southend bound at Rettendon
The roads are now open.
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