Coast road closed and homes evacuated after unexploded bomb found

The main A259 coast road has been closed and homes evacuated in Peacehaven after a suspected unexploded bomb was found this afternoon (Wednesday 6 September).

Sussex Police said: “The A259 South Coast Road through Peacehaven has been closed to traffic and nearby buildings evacuated after a suspected unexploded Second World War bomb was found shortly before 3pm.

“The device, possibly containing up to 1,000lb of high explosive, was unearthed by workers on a building site.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts have been called in and a 200-metre exclusion zone has been created around the location.

“The A259 is currently closed to traffic between Rottingdean and Newhaven, with motorists and buses having to seek alternative routes, while the potential hazards are assessed and dealt with.

“Extra officers and other emergency services have been deployed to assist those affected by the incident.”

The bomb was found on the site of the old police station in South Coast Road – opposite the Dell and by the bottom of between Rowe Avenue – between Hoddern Avenue and Sutton Avenue.

Demolition work is under way there at a time when locals have been complaining about the lack of a police presence – a matter taken up by the area’s new MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle.

The first 999 call came in just before 3pm and the site was cleared about an hour later.

The bomb disposal experts asked police to put in place the 200-metre cordon at 6.30pm.

Diversions were put in place to tackle the build up of traffic.

Sussex Police added: “Residents in the immediate vicinity have been asked to leave their homes.”

Update: The road closures were still in place shortly before midnight.