BOMB squad disposal officers have seized firearms and hand grenades after stopping a lorry in an industrial park.

They discovered five handguns, several dozen rounds of ammunition and three grenades in the vehicle.

After an initial inspection of the lorry two plastic cases were found stuck to the bottom of the truck with magnets.

Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams were called in, and a 100 metre exclusion zone around the vehicle was set up.

EOD officers safely removed and opened the cases.

Police were called to Rosier Business Park in Coneyhurst Road, Billingshurst, on Thursday around noon. The area was then cordoned off.

The business park was evacuated but nearby homes were not affected. 

The driver, a man in his 40s from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of importing firearms and explosives.

He was interrogated by the National Crime Agency (NCA). He has been released under investigation.

NCA Branch Commander David Norris said: “This was a significant seizure of weaponry which, in criminal hands, could have caused untold damage.

“Criminal gangs use these types of weapons to bring fear and violence to our streets. We’re committed to doing all we can to stop them, and in seizing these deadly items we have made the public safer.

“I’d like to pay tribute to our colleagues from Sussex Police and the army who played such a crucial role in today’s operation.

"I’d also like to thank businesses in the vicinity of the Rosier Business Park for their patience in the face of considerable disruption.

“NCA officers remain on the scene and we expect them to be there much of the night.

"Our investigation into the source of these weapons continues."

Shop keepers from the business park were absolutely shocked after knowing they were in close proximity to firearms.

At staff member from Smart Monkey Marketing Media Limited, in Willow Place, who asked not to be named, said: "I am so relief that everything is back to normal.

"We were told to leave the business park by the police. We did not know what was happening at the time.

"We went straight home after the evacuation.

"I only found out about it when I read it on the news yesterday morning.

"I was so terrified. I can't believe there were firearms near us."

Ed Liversidge, a staff member at Harmonic Software, also in Willow Place, said: "When we were told to leave I didn't get any details.

"I only found out more about it when I heard it on the news.

"We went home after the evacuation. I am very glad everything is back to normal.

"Rosier Business Park is a quiet area, so I'm just shocked to hear firearms and explosives are discovered here.

"It's very scary that we were so close to it.

"Billingshurst is a sleepy town so this is not something I expect would happen.

"I am very pleased the police have managed to seize the weapons.

"These firearms can cause a lot of damage and really hurt people."

An employee of Optimise Vehicle Solutions, in Oak Place, told The Argus they were not aware of the situation.

The staff member, who asked not to be named, said: "I was there the whole time but we didn't hear about the evacuation.

"I can't imagine that firearms would turn up here, it's a very lovely place here.

"But at least they have been seized and the authorities are dealing with them.

"I think this has saved some lives and people being hurt."

The management team of Rosier Business Park was contacted for a comment however they were not available.