UPDATE: Resident reclaims bag which sparked civic centre bomb scare

A resident has reclaimed the black rucksack which sparked a large-scale bomb disposal operation in Littlehampton this afternoon.
Bomb disposal experts at Littlehampton Civic Centre in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton. Picture: Eddie MitchellBomb disposal experts at Littlehampton Civic Centre in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Bomb disposal experts at Littlehampton Civic Centre in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

The bag was found under seating in the reception of Littlehampton Civic Centre in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton at around 1pm.

It led to a 100-metre exclusion zone being enforced around the council building, and bomb disposal experts sending in a robot to assess the package.

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Now, Sussex Police has confirmed the operation is over after a local resident claimed the bag after they left it there by mistake.

Littlehampton Civic Centre in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton was closed today due to a bomb scare. Picture: Eddie MitchellLittlehampton Civic Centre in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton was closed today due to a bomb scare. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Littlehampton Civic Centre in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton was closed today due to a bomb scare. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

Sussex Police said: "Police worked with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Arun District Council after the discovery of a black back-pack left under seating in reception area of the civic centre in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton.

The bag was found at around 12.50pm on Monday and as a precaution the building was evacuated, nearby roads closed and a 100-metre safety cordon put in place. Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts were informed.

At 4.10pm the bag was claimed by a local person who had left it there by mistake."