A ROCKET launcher has been found in a recycling plant.

The weapon was discovered in a bale of rubbish at the Veolia Materials Recovery Facility in Hollingdean Lane, Brighton, this afternoon.

The site was evacuated and road closed as a safety procedure, though the rocket launcher was not loaded.

Police seized the weapon for forensic examination, and the road was reopened shortly before 2pm.

The force said: "At no point was there any danger to any persons or any property in the area."

A Veolia spokeswoman said: “At approximately 12.20pm on Friday a suspicious item was found at Hollingdean Materials Recovery Facility.

“The police were called, attended site and safely removed the item.

"No one was injured during this incident and the site has now been reopened."