An area in north Red Deer was evacuated late yesterday afternoon following reports of a suspicious package. 

Mounties were called to 76th Street and 49th Avenue, the Key Towing compound about 4:30 after the package was found in a vehicle in that compound. 

City of Red Deer Fire and Emergency Services staff attended the scene, the area was cordoned off to the public, and RCMP evacuated neighbouring businesses as a safety precaution.

The RCMP Explosive Device Unit believe that the item was likely a homemade explosive device and neutralized it without incident at approximately 9 pm

The situation was resolved and the scene cleared before 10 pm.