A MAN has been arrested after police snipers were spotted on rooftops following reports of a suspicious package.

A 100-metre cordon was set up amid the incident near a police station and medical centre in Burgess Hill.

The army bomb squad and a number of ambulances are also at the scene, near the American Express building in The Brow.

A police spokesman said officers first responded to a report of a suspicious package in The Brow, Burgess Hill, at 1.48pm on Thursday, July 28.

At 9pm, police said a man had been arrested and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

“A number of residents in the area have been evacuated and some roads closed as a precaution, and a cordon remains in place while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assesses the situation,” a police spokesman said.

“Any further updates will follow on this page. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding. Your safety is our priority.”

A previous police statement said: “The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team have attended and put in a 100m cordon,” the spokesman said.

“Some of the roads in the surrounding area are likely to be closed for some time and there is a heightened police presence in the area.

“The public are urged to avoid the location while the incident is being dealt with.”