Man arrested in Lancing after bomb hoax prompts evacuation

A man has been arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax after homes were evacuated in Lancing following reports of a suspicious item.

Police were called to an address in Tower Road at around 2.30pm on 22 March following a report of an assault. A 50-year-old man was arrested, and officers identified a suspicious item at the property, prompting the establishment of a 100 metre cordon and the evacuation of nearby homes.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists attended the scene and carried out checks, later confirming the item did not pose a risk to the public. The man was further arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax and remains in custody, while the cordon has since been lifted and residents have been allowed to return.