A bomb squad unit has carried out a controlled explosion after reports a suspected hand grenade was taken to a tip.

The Royal Navy bomb disposal team detonated the device in land next to the Willowbrook Road recycling centre in Worthing.

A 100-metre cordon was set up around the tip just after midday (May 16) and nearby businesses were evacuated.

Dramatic footage shows an explosion in scrubland next to the waste facility with brown smoke flying high into the air.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Police received a report of a suspected hand grenade found at a recycling site in Willowbrook Road, Worthing, at around 12.10pm this afternoon.

The Argus: A controlled explosion was carried out in nearby landA controlled explosion was carried out in nearby land (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

"A 100m cordon has been placed around the device, which has led to the evacuation of a number of surrounding businesses.”

Police said earlier today that there is not thought to be any risk to the public but urged people to stay away until the device was detonated.