Office staff at Aintree racecourse were evacuated this afternoon during a routine police search of the grandstand.
During the search an unaccounted for object was discovered by a police officer in a lift shaft and consequently normal procedures were immediately implemented.
These procedures included the attendance of a police search advisor who, if not satisfied, calls the Army Bomb Disposal Unit - which was required in this instance.
To ensure the safety of the staff it was necessary to evacuate the offices within the grandstand and the immediate surrounding areas.
The object was later found to be innocent.
Charles Barnett, Aintree's managing director, said: 'Our procedures are, and will remain, diligent and thorough.
'The evacuation was smooth and all staff are to be commended for the efficiency of the operation.'
It was three years ago that Aintree had to be evacuated on Martell Grand National day due to a bomb scare with the big race run on the following Monday afternoon.
