Man arrest in Lancing on suspicion of bomb hoax
Homes had to be evacuated as Sussex Police investigated
A man has been arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax after people were forced to evacuate their homes in Lancing in West Sussex.
Police were initially called out to a report of an assault at an address in Tower Road at around 2:30pm on Sunday (22 March) and a 50-year-old man was arrested.
Police officers identified a suspicious item at the address, which led to the attendance of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Following checks, the item was determined not to be a threat to the public.
As a result, the cordon and 100-meter exclusion zone that had been set up were lifted and residents have been allowed to return home.
The 50-year-old man was further arrested under suspicion of a bomb hoax.
He remains in custody as police and the EOD team continue their searches at the property.
Authorities expressed thanks to residents for their patience during the operation and confirmed that there will be a continued police presence in the area for reassurance purposes.