A 34-year-old man has been charged with communicating a bomb hoax following an incident in Southend over the weekend.
On Saturday, 13 July, police were called to Victoria Business Park on Short Street after an unidentified bag was left at a commercial property by a suspect. Essex Police, in collaboration with fire, ambulance, and British Transport Police colleagues, responded swiftly to the situation. Officers temporarily cordoned off the area and evacuated the surrounding properties to ensure public safety while they investigated the contents of the bag.
The bag was ultimately deemed safe, and a man was arrested shortly after the incident. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Elsaid Omar, of no fixed abode, has now been charged with communicating a bomb hoax. Omar has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates Court today, Monday, 15 July.
Essex Police have expressed their gratitude to the public for their cooperation during the temporary closures in the Southend city centre. The swift and coordinated response by the emergency services helped to ensure the safety and security of the area.
