Two Questioned Over Cafe 'Bomb'

25 February 2011, 16:00 | Updated: 8 March 2011, 10:29

Two men, 38 and 32, are being questioned about the suspected arson attack on a Hove seafront cafe.

Detectives investigating the flammable and explosive device found at the 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' diner at Kingsway, Hove, on Tuesday 22 February, arrested the pair yesterday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The first was detained in Brighton and the second at an address in Shoreham. Officers then searched the Shoreham address and two addresses in Brighton.

A 38 year old Brighton woman arrested on Wednesday is now on bail until March 28th.

Menawhile forensic work is underway and police scenes of crime officers are working with explosives experts to examine material found at the scene.

On Tuesday police cordoned off the area along the A259 Kingsway in Hove around 11.20am and evacuated nearby buildings after the package was found, causing diversions for drivers along the seafront.

The cordon was in place from the roads either side of the 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' diner from St Leonard's Road by the BP garage to Roman Road.

The A259 Kingsway was reopened by police around 4pm after a bomb disposal team made the suspected improvised explosive device (IED) safe.

Emergency teams were called after a lit item was thrown through the glass window of the front door of the diner on Monday night.

People living in a flat above heard the sound of breaking glass and discovered the fire.

Inspector Jason Hazzard said: "Sussex Police worked with the EOD and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible and to minimise any disruption to the local community. I'd like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this time."

Detective Inspector John Wallace said: "We do not believe this is a random attack on the premises. We are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

"We now believe that the two objects were in fact connected. It appears the first element was made up of a large quantity of flammable materials, coupled with the second one which was a potential explosive device."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 534 of 22/2 or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.