RESIDENTS have been evacuated, the bomb squad called in, and the public told to avoid the area after a "suspect" item was found in a home in Clydebank.

Officers are carrying out searches in Overtoun Court as part of an "ongoing investigation".

While searching, the force said they discovered the item. 

They have informed the explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) unit and they have evacuated several properties in the nearby area as a precaution.

People are also being advised to "avoid the area". 

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "As part of an ongoing investigation officers are searching a property in Overtoun Court, Clydebank and discovered a suspect item.

"The EOD has been informed and several surrounding properties are being evacuated as a precaution. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area."

It comes after reports that police were searching Overtoun Court over a week ago following the death of a man in the area.

The 58-year-old was found on October 17 and the force previously told the Glasgow Times the death was being treated as "unexplained".

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "There is nothing to suggest that the item found in the property is linked to the ongoing investigation into the death of a 58-year-old man."