A ROAD has been closed off over fears of an explosion risk at a block of flats.

Emergency services have been seen at Horton Road, Brighton this evening.

It includes sightings of bomb disposal experts, the ambulance services hazardous area response team, and police.

Police said a man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose. The incident has been "protracted" and started at 11.30am this morning.

The force said: "We were called after reports of a strong smell of petrol coming from a flat in Horton Road, Brighton at 11.30am.

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"Officers and fire crews attended and found containers of petrol inside the property.

"A 30-year-old man was arrested n suspicion of possessing an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose.

"The road has been temporarily closed and a 25 metre cordon has been put in place.

"Local residents have been evacuated while the materials are safely removed from the property by the appropriate emergency services.

"There is not beieved to be any wider threat to the public."

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