Hailsham incident: This is why bomb disposal experts called in

Residents were evacuated from homes in the vicinity of Ersham Road, which was cordoned off after a number of glass jars with an unknown substance were discovered in a back garden.

However, Wealden Police said the substance, inspected by explosive ordnance disposal teams, was confirmed as not harmful.

Emergency services at incident in Hailsham

A spokesperson for the force said, “Residents in the vicinity of Ersham Road, Hailsham have now returned home and a cordon has been lifted, after a number of glass jars with an unknown substance discovered in a back garden there have been confirmed as not harmful. Thanks to everyone for your co-operation.”

Emergency services were first called to the scene just after midday, and a 65-metre cordon was set up, road closure put in place, and residents evacuated as a precaution.