Specialist bomb disposal experts blew up a suspicious package after homes were evacuated.

Police set up a 100-metre cordon around The Diplocks in Hailsham overnight after the package was reported.

An expert team was called in to dispose of it, and overnight residents were able to return to their homes, The Argus reported.

Now, a 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax, and is in custody for questioning.

Meanwhile the police cordon was lifted before midnight.

Chief Inspector Rosie Ross said: "We would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding this evening while this incident was dealt with.

"The cordon was placed around the area as a safety precaution while we waited for the EOD unit to arrive and inspect the package.

“The EOD unit securely disposed of the package and subsequently it was determined that the item which had resembled an explosive device, was a hoax.

“The area is now safe and the cordons have been lifted.”

The police said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit carried out a specialist examination and a safe and controlled explosion on the package.

A man was held on suspicion of the bomb hoax and with communicating false information.