(10/16/06) WEST BABYLON ? A West Babylon bomb scare put a neighborhood on lockdown and shut down both directions of Sunrise Highway for hours Monday.

The manager of a medical building found two unattended briefcases outside the front door early in the day. He says they looked suspicious, prompting him to immediately call 911. Police arrived at the scene and after five hours of inspection by the bomb squad, moved the objects. During that time some neighbors were told to remain in their homes, while others were evacuated. Two local schools were locked down and Sunrise Highway was closed in both directions.

Police found only papers inside the briefcases. They are trying to determine why the items were left there. Although police say they have not determined if a crime was committed, the building?s manager says he is sure the incident was a prank.