There was traffic chaos as specialist fire crews rushed to the scene in Bepton Road yesterday (Tuesday, July 14).

They closed the road and threw a 150-metre safety cordon around the police station while experts were called in to investigate.

After three hours it emerged the suspicious canister was a scientific measuring tool.

"The canister had radiation markings on it and when it was discovered we were called to a suspected radiation incident," said spokesman for West Sussex Fire Service Gary Towson.

The police station was evacuated, more than 20 customers were trapped in the Budgens store next door and residents were told to stay inside their homes.

"We had to bring in a specialist detection, identification and monitoring team from Surrey," said Mr Towson.

"It all took time because we had to cordon off the area and then we had to test the two policeman who found the package to ensure the canister had not emitted any radiation.

"Nobody had any idea what the canister was and in these situations we have to treat them with respect and caution."

Radiation experts announced the canister did not pose a threat to the public shortly after 1pm.

Damian Flynn, manager of the Kavanagh Budgens supermarket next door to the police station, said around 25 customers were trapped in the store for more than three hours.

"We were open, but nobody could get to us and the customers inside couldn't get out. They sat here and we gave them tea, coffee and biscuits and a police officer came and stood guard outside the store."

The shop lost between £4,000 and £5,000 because of the road closure.

"It was a nightmare and very damaging to us," he said.

Across the road from the police station, Lynn and Geoff Oram were also trapped in their home.

"We were right in the middle of it all," said Mr Oram.

"Apparently, about 10.15am somebody put a container through the letter box which was lead-lined, very heavy and had radiation markings on it and it was picked up by a policeman.

"All of a sudden fire engines arrived along with support vehicles and specialist units and there were police everywhere."

"We were told to stay indoors. It was a frightening situation. "

Mrs Oram said although there was traffic chaos outside her home at first, police and fire crews quickly organised diversions to alleviate the situation.


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