Brighton town centre has been closed due to a bomb scare.

A suspicious package was discovered this morning in Queens Road with police quickly sealing off the area.

Some buildings nearby have also been evacuated.

Police say the roads will be closed will be several hours while the incident is being dealt with.

The army has been called in to examine the package and are believed to be travelling from Aldershot.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "At 10.40am today we were alerted to a suspicous package in Queens Road, Brighton.

"Queen's Road was sealed off between North Road and North Street, and neighbouring streets were also closed, including Spring Gardens, Kew Street, Zion Gardens, Windsor Street, Titchbourne Street and Church Street.

"People are advised to avoid the area."

Nick Powell is one of those who has had to evacuate his building in Queens Road.

He said: "Every business in the street has been evacuated. There are about ten police cars and three fire trucks."

Several Brighton and Hove bus routes are on diversion.

Service 6 - Due to the road closure all services will be terminating at the Old Steine. We cannot currently serve Brighton Station.

Service 7 - Eastbound are currently diverted via Upper Glouceter Road, Dyke Road and Imperial Arcade. Westbound are diverted directly up Imperial Arcade, Dyke Road to which they will resume normal route from the Seven Dials we cannot currently serve Brighton Station from this direction.

Service 14’s - Eastbound are currently diverted via Upper Glouceter Road, Dyke Road and Imperial Arcade back to Churchill Square. Westbound are diverted directly up Imperial Arcade, Dyke Road to which they will resume normal route from the Seven Dials we cannot currently serve Brighton Station from this direction.

Service 27 Eastbound are currently diverted via Upper Glouceter Road, Dyke Road and Imperial Arcade. Westbound are diverted directly up Imperial Arcade, Dyke Road to which they will resume normal route from the Seven Dials we cannot currently serve Brighton Station from this direction.

Service 48 Eastbound are currently diverted via Upper Glouceter Road, Dyke Road and Imperial Arcade. Westbound are diverted directly up Imperial Arcade, Dyke Road to which they will return to Brighton Station Stop D

Service 50 - Due to the road closure all services will be terminating at the Imperial Arcade. We cannot currently serve Brighton Station.