Police have cordoned off part of Hove seafront after a suspected bomb was found.
The suspected improvised explosive devise (IED) was discovered by fire investigators looking into a suspected arson attack at a diner at around 11.20am today (Tuesday 22 February ).
Buildings immediately surrounding the diner have been temporarily evacuated while the suspected IED is examined and safely dealt with by an Army explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team.
Detective Inspector John Wallace said: “Sussex Police is working with the EOD and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible and to minimise any disruption to the local community.
“I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this time.
“We are keeping an open mind as to the motives of anyone involved and do not believe this is a random attack on the premises. I am appealing to anyone with information to come forward.”
Police were called at around 12.15am after a lit item had been thrown through the glass window of the front door of the diner.
Occupants of the flat above the diner heard the sound of breaking glass and discovered the fire and put it out using a fire extinguisher.
It was while fire investigators were examining the scene that they came across the devise.
The cordon is in place from the roads either side of the diner from St Leonard’s Road by the BP garage to Roman Road.
Drivers are being advised to avoid the Kingsway area of Hove, as a degree of disruption is anticipated for some time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or to call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
