Grand Brighton evacuated after suspected bomb hoax

The 201-bedroom Grand hotel in Brighton was evacuated for five hours yesterday following a suspected bomb hoax, ahead of today's TUC conference.

An anonymous phone call was received by the hotel at 4.30pm alleging the presence of an explosive device. Management immediately evacuated the hotel, and the surrounding roads and car parks were closed.

The adjacent Brighton Centre, where the four-day TUC Congress starts today, was also evacuated.

Guests and staff were allowed to return to the hotel at 9.15pm, following a thorough search of the property, during which nothing was found.

Andrew Mosley, general manager of the hotel, said: "We apologise to any visitor who may have been inconvenienced, however, in these times of heightened security we must be ever vigilant and ensure the safety of our hotel guests, team, suppliers and local neighbours. An investigation is underway by Sussex Police to trace the person responsible for the call."

Chief superintendent of Sussex Police Lisa Bell said: "It was important that this report was thoroughly looked into, and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of staff, guests, and people using the nearby car parks, whose afternoon and evening was disrupted. A comprehensive criminal investigation is underway to trace the person responsible for the call."

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