Bomb disposal squad sent out to office of Conservative politician after suspicious package found
13 June 2024, 19:10 | Updated: 14 June 2024, 05:45
Bomb disposal experts have been deployed in Horsham after receiving reports of a suspicious package near the office of Tory candidate Jeremy Quin.
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Police received a report of a suspicious package at a location in Madeira Avenue, Horsham, at about 2.40pm on Thursday.
Is it believed the package was delivered to the Conservative Association in Gough House, Horsham on Wednesday.
The office is used by Tory candidate and former MP for Horsham, Jeremy Quin.
Read more: Childminder who shook baby boy to death 'out of frustration' jailed for 12 years
In a statement, Sir Jeremy 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 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."
The safety of MPs has been under increased scrutiny in recent years after the murders of Sir David Amess in 2021 and Jo Cox in 2016.
On a lower scale, Nigel Farage has had a milkshake thrown over him and various objects thrown at him while out campaigning in the last two weeks.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "Police received a report of a suspicious package at a premises in Madeira Avenue, Horsham, at about 2.40pm this afternoon."
Officers said they had stood down the team investigating the package by 9pm because it had been deemed safe.
They added: "After an assessment it has been confirmed that the package was safe and there was no risk to the public.
"Officers are reviewing whether there has been an offence committed in the sending of the package and this investigation is ongoing."
