A man who sent dust and an offensive letter in the post to a Conservative election candidate agreed to write an apology after the bomb squad were called out to deal with it.

Army bomb disposal experts swarmed Jeremy Quin's offices in Horsham while police evacuated nearby homes when the suspect package was found on Thursday.

It is believed the package contained shredded election leaflets, a note addressed to the former MP and parliamentary candidate, random rubbish and some dust.

The package was posted to Gough House in the town's Madeira Drive.

READ MORE: Bomb squad, police and firefighters called to MP's office

In a statement, Mr Quin 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."

Sussex Police said a 29-year-old man from Lower Beeding attended a voluntary interview and agreed to send a letter of apology as part of a community resolution.