Police have launched an investigation after a ‘suspicious envelope’ caused the closure of the Nationwide building society branch in Stourbridge.

Officers shut off the branch in the town’s High Street just before midday yesterday (Tuesday), before interviewing members of the public inside the premises.

The envelope was later found to be harmless and was taken away by detectives for further analysis, but it’s not been revealed exactly why suspicions were raised.

The fire service and paramedics were also called to the scene and four people were checked over as a precaution.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We were called at 11.40am as the branch had been given a suspicious envelope.

“We sent officers down to the High Street and carried out analysis on the item.

“It was found that the item didn’t pose a threat and has since been removed from the scene for further analysis.

“We are still investigating the incident.”