Staffordshire Police have launched a nationwide alert after an explosive device was found on a speed camera on a busy main road.

The device was discovered by road maintenance workers attached to the camera at the side of the A5 in Gailey, between the A449 and junction 12 of the M6.

It was removed and taken to a nearby works depot where the police were called.

Forensic science teams are currently examining the device, which police believe was home-made and designed to cause fire damage to the camera.

'Potential consequences'

Police forces up and down the country have now been alerted.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "Our detectives are working on the theory that this was designed to cause fire damage to the camera - but the potential consequences could have been much worse.

"If it had been activated unexpectedly, someone could have been badly hurt - and that's why we're treating it so seriously. It was mindless beyond belief.

"Advice has been given to all police officers and civilian staff who work with safety cameras in Staffordshire, and we've made colleagues around the country aware of the incident."

Members of the public are being urged to contact the police of they see anyone, or anything, suspicious near safety cameras.