Bomb disposal experts have safely detonated the “suspect package” found ahead of Brighton Pride earlier today (Saturday, August 1).
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The march will now travel from Lansdowne Place, along Western Road, before continuing on its original route from the clock tower.
A cordon has been put in place and expert explosives officers are en route to deal with it.
A controlled explosion was carried out by an army bomb squad along Brighton seafront, police said.
Organisers had a planned a new “high profile” route for 2015 along the city’s popular coastline but after a delay of more than an hour and a half were forced to resort to their former route.
Sussex Police said the area on the A259 by the bandstand is now cordoned off and the area has been evacuated.
‘There is no immediate risk to the public and we ask that you respect the cordons in place and the officers dealing with the incident.’.
It is still not clear if the package is unsafe but the parade has now begun along the new route.
Despite the incident, the 25th annual Brighton Pride is drawing a few 160,000 participants, as well as celebrity performers like Ruby Rose, Mary Lambert, the Human League, Fatboy Slim, Bright Light Bright Light, Ms. Dynamite, Foxes and Ella Henderson. A candlelit sunset event is also being held as a “unique celebration of love and life” and to remember friends and loved ones from the LGBT community.
Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp said: ‘We believe the item was placed there deliberately and made to look like a suspicious device to disrupt the parade.
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Spectators were waiting for Brighton Pride’s 25th anniversary celebration to begin.
