'Unexploded bomb' found in Shoreham (From The Argus)

3:35pm

3:29pm

Police have now reopened Shoreham footbridge after discovering the suspected bomb was a a gas cannister.

In a statement Sussex Police said: "Shoreham footbridge has now reopened after a suspected ordnance was discovered in the River Adur by workers excavating the area.
"The item, which turned out to be a gas cannister, has been removed."
"The footbridge was closed for the safety of the public while the item was assessed.
"We understand that this caused some inconvenience to users of the footbridge and thank them for their understanding and patience during this time."

2:03pm

Sussex Police have closed the footbridge and Coronation Green.

They are also liasing with the Coastguard.

1:58pm

Work started on the new Shoreham footbridge in August.

The £9.8m project funded by cycling charity Sustrans and West Sussex County Council sees the old bridge replaced by a wider, modern construction.

Currently the bridge is not wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists.

1:46pm

Police at the scene.

1:42pm

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said that officers had been called to the bridge, opposite Shoreham High Street at 12.40pm.

Workers conducing excavations for the new bridge had discovered the suspected bomb.

She said: "During the excavation work they have come across something that is possibly an unexploded item from war time.

"They are not sure what it is at the moment  but have closed the immediate area around the bomb.  

"They are liaising with the bomb squad. "

1:39pm

Police at the scene in Shoreham High Street

1:37pm

Shoreham footbridge was closed off at approximately 1pm today after workmen boring for the new footbridge discovered an unexploded shell.

Two police are guarding the bridge while waiting for the Royal Navy.