County News: Bomb scare in Sussex town ‘not terrorism’

A man has been arrested close to the scene where police are responding to a report of a suspicious package in a Sussex town.
Shoppers being evacuated from the town centre by police due to a 'suspicious package'. Photo by Richard WarnerShoppers being evacuated from the town centre by police due to a 'suspicious package'. Photo by Richard Warner
Shoppers being evacuated from the town centre by police due to a 'suspicious package'. Photo by Richard Warner

Police were called to the McDonald’s restaurant in Wellington Place, Hastings, at 10.06am today (Friday, December 11) after a man went into the premises and placed a bag on the counter.

A Sussex Police spokesman said, “When officers responded, the bag was deemed to be suspicious and staff were evacuated from the restaurant.

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“As police left the building a member of the public alerted them that a man had placed another bag in the street.

Police on the roundabout on Pelham Place. Photo by Natasha CliftonPolice on the roundabout on Pelham Place. Photo by Natasha Clifton
Police on the roundabout on Pelham Place. Photo by Natasha Clifton

“The man was spotted, was challenged and arrested.

“An EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) unit arrived at the scene just after noon to examine the packages.

“The matter is not being treated as a terrorist incident at this time. The man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Pike said, “We must treat these packages seriously and that is why we have requested the expert assistance of the military.

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“Until that is complete, there will be disruption in the area and I would ask people to remain patient.

“We will endeavour to return things to normal just as soon as is safely possible.”

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