Dozens of homes had to be evacuated as Army bomb disposal experts blew up a package designed to look like an explosive device.

Police officers cleared houses and cordoned off the street near the Wheatsheaf pub in Kingston Road, Ewell, on Tuesday, after the “bomb” was discovered in the beer garden.

The suspect package, which contained a mobile telephone wired up to a battery, was found by staff at about 1.20pm and is understood to have contained a note addressed to a pub worker saying “open with care.”

Neighbours were told to wait at Bourne Hall until the all-clear had been given.

One resident who wished to remain anonymous said: “This policeman banged on my door and told me I had to get out.

"I asked him if I could bring the cat and the dog and he said: “No miss, just you and the baby need to get out now.”

At 4.20pm the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit carried out a controlled explosion and residents were slowly allowed back into their homes.

Retired Kay Whatley, who lives in nearby Kingston Road said: “It’s inconvenient but obviously safety comes first.

"This is the ‘day and age’ of the bomb and whoever did this knew it would cause mayhem.

"I am impressed though with the police response. I didn’t know we had this many police in the county.”

Jacob Sharp, 16, was on his way to work at Homebase but was diverted by police into Bourne Hall.

He said: “Someone being stupid has mucked up everybody else’s day. It’s normally quiet around here so it is a bit of excitement. It is good to see so many police had time to be here.”

Two roads in the heart of Ewell Village were closed until the area was declared safe and the 406 bus service, which passes The Wheatsheaf, was diverted down to the Organ Inn.

Other traffic and bus services were delayed because of the road closures.

The Wheatsheaf was soon back in business but a spokesman refused to make any comment about the incident and referred all inquiries to Surrey Police.

A police spokesman said: “The origins of the package are being investigated but it is not believed to be terrorism related.”

• Victor Pickston, from Belfield Road, a 47-year-old gardener from Ewell, has been charged with causing a bomb hoax.

He will appear at South East Surrey Magistrates’ Court on July 3.