Bomb squad, police and firefighters outside Conservative MP's office

A cordon was up and the bomb disposal unit, Sussex Police officers and West Sussex firefighters were at the scene outside Jeremy Quin's office in Madeira Avenue, Horsham, this afternoon. 

The bomb disposal unit outside Jeremy Quin's office in Madeira Avenue, Horsham (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

By 8.45pm, police had left the scene.

A spokesman for the force said: "We have stood down our presence in Horsham following a report of a suspicious package earlier this afternoon.

“Police were called to Madeira Avenue at about 2.40pm and the Explosive Ordnance Team was also called.

"After an assessment it has been confirmed that the package was safe and there was no risk to the public.

”Officers are reviewing whether there has been an offence committed in the sending of the package and this investigation is ongoing.”

Jeremy Quin, the Conservative MP for Horsham, said: "After the receipt of a suspicious parcel at my Horsham office earlier today the police decided that the incident should be escalated and specialists from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team were called in.

"It is still under investigation but there is no cause for alarm and the incident is being thoroughly and professionally addressed. 

"It’s a huge privilege to engage in public service but sadly in the world in which we live incidents of this nature always have to be taken seriously.  I am very grateful to the emergency services for their prompt actions and continuing work to ensure public safety."

The Ministry of Defence and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were contacted for comment.