A ‘car bomb’ scare sparked a major police operation in Jerez on Wednesday night.

Officers from the Policia Nacional sealed off access to the underground car park at Plaza del Arenal at around 9pm after receiving a call warning of a potentially explosive vehicle inside.

Specialist bomb disposal units (Tedax), supported by sniffer dogs, were deployed to search the site as part of a full security protocol.

After several hours of checks, no explosives were found.

The alert was officially declared a false alarm shortly after midnight, with the car park reopening to the public just after 12am.

Drivers were allowed to return to collect their vehicles, although access was managed gradually to avoid congestion.

Authorities also reassured affected motorists that they would not be charged for the extra time their cars remained inside during the closure.

Jerez mayor María Jose García-Pelayo was present at Plaza del Arenal alongside senior police officials as the situation unfolded.

While she left operational details to the police, she confirmed that the local government and the city’s Brotherhoods Council had been working closely with authorities in case further action was needed.

Despite the heavy police presence in one of the city’s busiest squares, Semana Santa processions continued largely unaffected.

Only one brotherhood – La Amargura – altered its return route to avoid passing through Plaza del Arenal.

Elsewhere, the atmosphere remained calm, with terraces full and crowds continuing to watch the processions as they made their way towards the cathedral.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.