THE loud bangs heard in Newport city centre were not controlled explosions but “specialist officers assessing the situation”, Gwent Police have confirmed.

Neither of the suspicious items which prompted a city-wide lockdown on Thursday afternoon were detonated, and the force has confirmed that the items were not viable devices.

The two items were found outside Friars Walk and near to the George Street bridge – one was a car and the other remains unconfirmed at this time.

“There were no controlled explosions,” said a Gwent Police spokeswoman.

“The sounds were specialist officers assessing the situation i.e. breaking the window of the vehicle.”

The spokeswoman added that all roads in the city have re-opened as the concern at the time of the incident was genuine.

“The concern was genuine and both suspicious items were not viable devices and there is no immediate threat to the public,” she said.

“As a precautionary measure cordons and traffic diversions were put in place to ensure the safety of those nearby.

“All roads have reopened since.”

Officers will retain a visible presence on the streets of Newport in a bid to allay fears in the aftermath of the Manchester attacks on Monday.

Operation Temperer was launched early in the week as the government’s response to raise the terror threat level to ‘critical’ – only the third time this has happened in the UK.

“We have reviewed our local patrol strategies and resourcing levels and these will be enhanced, especially around crowded places and within communities that may feel vulnerable,” said the police spokeswoman.

“Along with our partners, Gwent Police is doing everything it can to help protect the security of the communities we serve.

“We advise the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency the public should always call 999.

“Enquiries are on-going at this time and we have no further information available.”