Canterbury Suspect Package

Kent Police have made another appeal for help to find the hoaxer who left a suspicious package in Canterbury a week ago.

They say they have spoken to a number of potential witnesses but still want to hear from anyone who saw anything unusual in Broad Street in the week leading up to the discovery by an off duty police officer last wednesday lunctime.

The device was found protruding from a metal bootscraper in an alcove at about 1.15pm that day.

Bomb disposal experts were called in, and local residents and pupils and staff at a nearby school were evacuated before a controlled explosion was carried out.

The remains of the package are now undergoing forensic tests.

Detective Inspector Michelle Whitehead, the officer leading this investigation said: "I want to thank the public for all their help and information so far, but I am still very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Broad Street area in the week prior to the 14 September when the package was discovered.

However insignificant you may think the information is, it may be useful to us, so please do contact us if you think you can help."

"Although the package was found to be an elaborate hoax, we take events of this nature extremely seriously, and our main priority is to ensure the safety of the public and to bring this hoaxer to justice."

Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious should ring Kent Police on 01622 690690. Alternatively, if you have information but would prefer to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Last month, large parts of the city were closed on the evening of 26th August after fake devices were found by a railway line close to Canterbury East station and at Marks and Spencer in the city centre.

CCTV images have been released of a man police want to speak to in connection with those incidents.

Detectives say there is no evidence to suggest the hoax of last month is linked to last week's suspect device.