A SUSPECTED unexploded bomb found in a popular park today has been safely removed.

Sussex Police cordoned off a section of Stanmer Park earlier today at about 2pm after a "possible unexploded mortar shell" was found.

Officers closed the area at the top of the park on the eastern side of Stonymere Way with a 100 metre cordon after the shell was reportedly spotted by a cyclist.

The Argus:

However, a bomb disposal team arrived in the park this evening and police said the shell was found to be empty.

A spokeswoman said: "Explosive Ordnance Disposal team arrived on the scene this evening.

"The shell was found to be empty and has now been removed."

It comes after a possible unexploded mortar shell was also found on Brighton beach.

Police evacuated a large section of the beach west of the Palace Pier on April 18 after the suspected unexploded bomb was found by a metal detectorist.

Officers liaised with Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams but the device was later washed away with the tide.

Earlier this month, on April 2, police officers were called to Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve after reports of a historical unexploded object, just days after the Royal Navy exploded a “mortar bomb” at Devil’s Dyke.

Ordnance has also been found in Bracklesham Bay and Medmerry beach in Selsey in recent months.

Multiple pieces of "highly explosive" ordnance were found on Medmerry beach in December last year, and a controlled explosion was carried out.