A SUSPECT has been released under investigation after a bomb scare that sparked evacuations.

Police were called to The Diplocks in Hailsham on Monday afternoon and set up a 100-metre exclusion zone.

Experts blew up a suspicious package in a controlled explosion.

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.”

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax and communicating false information.

He has been released under investigation.