The bomb thrown into a Hove seafront café in the early hours of yesterday has been made safe by the Army.
Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 22 February) at Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Kingsway, Hove, close to the junction with Brittany Road.
The A259 (Kingsway) was closed from St Leonard’s Road, by the BP garage, to Roman Road from late morning until mid afternoon.
Detectives are now carrying out forensic tests on the remains of the home-made bomb while they investigate who might have thrown the bomb into the café.
Someone lit the device and threw it through the glass window in the front door of the diner shortly after midnight.
The people living in the flat upstairs heard the glass break and found the fire which they put out with an extinguisher.
Sussex Police said that scenes of crime officers went to the premises during the morning to investigate what appeared to be an arson attack.
At 11.20am they found a second object which they described as an improvised explosive device (IED) or home-made bomb.
The occupants and neighbours were evacuated and the area was cordoned off – including the busy seafront road – while an Army bomb disposal team made their way to the scene.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team used a remote device to examine the bomb and carry out a controlled explosion.
Detective Inspector John Wallace said: “We are keeping an open mind as to the motives of anyone involved and I am not prepared to speculate on any possible motive.
“However, we do not believe this is a random attack on the premises.
“We are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
“We now believe that the two objects were in fact connected.
“It appears the first element was made up of a large quantity of flammable materials, coupled with the second one which was a potential explosive device.
“However, further detailed forensic analysis will be necessary in order to confirm this beyond doubt.
“We are not releasing a description of it at this time while inquiries continue.
“Fortunately the flames from the first part were put out quickly, before the suspected explosives could ignite.
“Otherwise the damage, and danger to the lives of those upstairs or passing by, could have been considerable.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or to call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
