POLICE are not ruling out that a homophobic group was behind the bomb hoax that threatened this weekend's Pride.

The city's most senior officer said he considered cancelling the event on Saturday morning after a suspicious package was found tied to a signpost on the parade route.

The event was delayed by more than an hour and a half before being re-routed as an Army bomb disposal unit was called.

However, Pride organisers have hailed the event the "biggest and best" to date with an estimated 200,000 taking to the streets to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.

Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, who is divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, was in charge of policing the event.

He made the difficult call for the event to go ahead after the device had been found.

He said there was no warning call and it was instead an event steward who spotted the device attached to a signpost west of the bandstand in King’s Road, Brighton.

He said: "It’s most likely that it was connected in some way to Pride.

“It seems as if this is a one-off, but it’s worth remembering that nationally we are at a severe risk of terrorism.

“The Pride event, with so many attending, is a potential target and some people have strong views on Pride.”

He described the suspicious package as the size of a large can of lager, which was tied to a street sign at height with cable ties and gaffer tape.

Shortly following its discovery at 11.20am, the bomb disposal unit was called and Mr Kemp was taken away to John Street Police Station to oversee the operation.

The unit's bomb disposal robot was sent in to inspect the package before a controlled explosion was carried out.

Commenting on the potential cancelling of the event, Mr Kemp said:“It was a possibility, but it was made clear by me that would be an absolute last resort and that we would look at all other options.

“As soon as it was seen as suspicious, there was always going to be a big delay.

“We believe the item was placed there deliberately and made to look like a suspicious device, in order to cause a disruption. We have started a criminal investigation to identify who did this."

He added: "We want to apologise for any disruption this caused and thank the Pride organisers, public and those taking part in the parade for their support and patience while we made the area safe and re-routed the parade. Their co-operation made dealing with this difficult incident easier."

With revellers told to gather at Hove Lawns at 11am, there was confusion when the police closed off on area of the seafront near to the package.

Paula O’Sullivan, from Brighton, brought the whole family to see the parade. She said: “I wouldn't say it spoilt it, but everyone was a bit miffed.

“We didn’t know what was going on until word spread and the parade was delayed by ages."

But Mr Kemp said the force had done everything they could in a short amount of time by posting messages on social media and sending officers to update the public.

The incident caused disruption across the city for much the rest of the day with closed roads and the delayed parade causing traffic jams.

Cars, buses and even emergency vehicles were unable to move as Pride organisers and the police re-routed the delayed march.

However, it is estimated 200,000 were out to enjoy the parade with many oblivious to what had caused the delay.

Revellers then spilled into Preston Park to enjoy acts such as Fatboy Slim, Human League and Ella Henderson before the party moved to St James's Street and Madeira Drive for the sold out Pride Village Party.

The night ended with a huge firework display which could be seen across the city.

Managing director of Pride Paul Kemp praised the work of the police in dealing with the bomb hoax and said the incident had no impact on the event's success.

He said: “It was the biggest and best ever seen and truly showcased the magnificent diversity of our fair city.

"An estimated 200,000 people watched as more than 80 floats. Community groups and local and national business filled the streets with music, love and laughter as they snaked their way through the city up to Preston Park for the completely sold out Pride Festival."

In amongst the rainbow-laden crowds was openly-gay Peter Kyle, MP for Hove, who was celebrating his first Pride since being elected.

He too praised the police and organisers for dealing with the situation.

He said: “We were waiting for a long time but stewards came along and told us to expect delays.

“Of course people were really eager to get going, but once people knew it was a police operation, I did not hear a single person complaining. Police handled it spectacularly well.

“They were coping with tens of thousands of people in the parade and the audience, and they did so with huge grace and professionalism, and the city owes them huge thanks.”

Police arrested 35 on Saturday for possession of drugs, robbery, assault and public disorder.