DRIVERS on the M40 are still facing speed restrictions as forensic officers continue to search a wood where passers-by found "suspicious items".

The hard shoulder also remains closed on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 3 near High Wycombe.

Scotland Yard refused to confirm a report in The Sun newspaper that the items, being tested by forensics officers, were bottles of liquid that bubbled and smoked when poured on the ground.

But a spokesman said that explosives experts did attend the scene on Wednesday night "as a precautionary measure".

The spokesman said that he could not comment on the newspapers' report that two 13-year-old schoolboys made the discovery.

He said: "All I can say is that the items were found by a member of the public."

The items have now been removed from the scene, but forensic officers are still searching the area. It is close to Booker Common, which has been searched by officers investigating an alleged terror plot to blow up transatlantic passenger jets.

Police are thought to be investigating whether the find is linked to the same operation.

Anti-terror officers have also been combing another area of woodland, known as King's Wood, on the other side of High Wycombe in connection with the investigation. An address in High Wycombe was raided during the investigation into the alleged airliner bomb plot, codenamed Overt.

The alleged plot was to smuggle improvised explosive devices on to passenger aircraft and then assemble and detonate them on board. A total of 16 people have been charged in connection with the operation.