County news: Loud bang as bomb disposal team attend ‘suspicious package’

The bomb disposal team have been called in to inspect a ‘suspicious package’ that has closed down a town centre.
The EOD took the incident very seriously as a package was also found by a police car. Photo by Eddie MitchellThe EOD took the incident very seriously as a package was also found by a police car. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
The EOD took the incident very seriously as a package was also found by a police car. Photo by Eddie Mitchell

A loud bang has been heard as the drone was used to nullify the package in Hastings.

Police have cordoned off most of Wellington Square with no cars or buses allowed through and people have been evacuated.

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One of the bomb disposal team got into the padded suit and went in to McDonalds where the package was reported.

The EOD getting ready to inspect the package in McDonalds. Photo by Eddie MitchellThe EOD getting ready to inspect the package in McDonalds. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
The EOD getting ready to inspect the package in McDonalds. Photo by Eddie Mitchell

There was also one found by a police car which was inspected by the bomb team drone.

Everyone in the nearby shops and cafes were told to leave and get to a safe distance.

The team left the incident at 2pm.

A friend of Craig Brookes worked in McDonalds and they said a man walked in with a large bin bag and put it on the counter then left.

One of the EOD crew members getting his bomb disposal suit on. Photo by Eddie MitchellOne of the EOD crew members getting his bomb disposal suit on. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
One of the EOD crew members getting his bomb disposal suit on. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
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Another on-looker, Anne-marie Stretten, said she had heard that the man said ‘happy Christmas’ before leaving.

Caffe Nero employee Tonya Miller said: “I was in the middle of my lunch break when they evacuated us.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in Hastings.”

Ms Miller also said that she had heard that there was a laptop in the bag.

Police guarding the cordon. Photo by Eddie MitchellPolice guarding the cordon. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
Police guarding the cordon. Photo by Eddie Mitchell

The Oxfam shop opposite McDonalds reopened today after refurbishment works and duty manager Davyna Christian-Grant said all the drama has ruined their big day.

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“We’re very frustrated as people have got their house and car keys in the shop and we don’t know when we’re going to be able to go back,” she said.

“I was getting coffees from Costa Coffee and before we had ordered we were told to leave the area and stay well away.

“We had a great morning and were extremely busy but it’s sort of ruined now.

Police have closed parts of Denmark PlacePolice have closed parts of Denmark Place
Police have closed parts of Denmark Place

“I’ve spoken to people who had come just to see the new shop too so it’s really frustrating.”

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Sports Direct workers had taken refuge in Yates’ who provided free hot drinks and a place to sit for them.

“The Carlisle pub gave us half price drinks and opened early for us too,” Sports Direct duty manager Jason Scott said.

“As a community everyone’s come together which is fantastic.”

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