Homes in Paisley have been evacuated after a 'number of suspicious' items have been found.

Police say they were called to the George Street area following a report of a car on fire shortly after 8am on Monday, September 2.

999 crews raced to the scene. After that, the blaze was extinguished.

However, cops say a 'number of suspicious items' were found in the common close of a building nearby.

Due to this, properties in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.

On top of that, George Street is closed between Causeyside Street and Barr Place.

A diversion is in place for motorists, while locals are being urged to 'avoid the area'.

Luckily, no one has been injured during the incident.

The force says extensive enquiries remain ongoing and specialist resources have been deployed to assist.

Meanwhile, a 41-year-old man has been arrested in connection.

More as we have it.