Bomb disposal experts carried out an explosion after a rucksack left near a bus stop sparked a security scare.
High Street businesses in Waltham Cross were evacuated on Monday amid claims of a “bomb threat” after the bag was found on a bench at 2.25pm.
A bomb disposal robot was deployed as experts carried out controlled explosion after a 100-metre police cordon was put up.
Nearby office workers told the Standard of a "very loud bang" after 5pm.
A Hertfordshire Police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to the High Street, Waltham Cross at 2.25 pm on Monday (August 15th) following reports of an unattended rucksack on a bench near a bus stop.
“A police cordon has been put in place within a 100 metre radius and nearby shops have been evacuated as police deal with the incident.
“It would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”
Witnesses described on social media how they were told to leave work as a precaution.
Michael Fricker tweeted: “Whole of Waltham Cross cordoned off due to bomb threat…”
While Shonnah Nicholls posted: “Been evacuate (sic) from work in Waltham cross because of Bomb threats.
And another woman, known as Lucy, wrote: “There is a Bomb scare at Waltham cross.”
The High Street has since reopened.
In an updated statement, the police spokeswoman added: "A police cordon was put in place and nearby shops were evacuated as police dealt with the incident.
"The Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team attended the scene and conducted a controlled explosion.
"Police would like to thank members of the public for their co-operation and patience whilst we investigated this incident which has now been established as non-suspicious."