A live bomb was defused near a hospital and two cars stuffed with explosives were found in and on the outskirts of Surat on Sunday, sparking a high security alert in the diamond city.

The police have seized a car laden with explosives from Punagam area on the outskirts of Surat city, Police Inspector M R Chavda said.

The car, bearing the number plate GJ-6-CD 3569, was found laden with explosives in Punagam area and the police have recovered powder materials, gelatin sticks and shrapnel from the car, Chavda said.

Later, the police located another car with explosives at Heerabagh locality of the city, Surat Police Commissioner R M S Brar said.

Earlier, the police found a live bomb near a hospital from the New Citylight area of Surat after some residents informed the police about it, they said.

A wooden box containing white powder, wires, a battery and shrapnel, was taken into custody by the bomb disposal squad late Saturday night, police added.

The box was found abandoned near Nupur hospital in the New Citylight area, they added. The bomb was later defused.

The substance found from the box has been sent to the forensic science laboratory for testing, the police added.

Vadodara Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said the registration number of the car found at Punegam village was fake as the number belongs to a Scooty.

Brar has asked all cinema hall owners to suspend their shows and also urged to shut down shopping malls in the city.

The police have asked the people to remain inside their houses, Brar said.

Extra police force has been deployed at check posts, particularly at the entrance and exit points, the police said.