Suspicious packages that forced evacuation of St Leonards Travelodge and Little Chef"drug-related" (From Bournemouth Echo)

Suspicious packages that forced evacuation of St Leonards Travelodge and Little Chef"drug-related"

1:22pm Monday 19th July 2010 in

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SUSPICIOUS packages that forced the evacuation of a hotel and restaurant are said to be drug-related.

Specialist police officers testing substances found in a Travelodge guestroom on the A31 Ringwood Road, near St Leonards, on Saturday morning are ruling out terrorist activity.

The discovery of an abandoned suitcase, containing liquids, sparked an 18-hour shutdown operation for public safety.

Hotel guest Michael Gillann arrived on Sunday afternoon.

He said: "There's been a police officer standing outside the room, at the other end of our corridor, the whole time.

"I'm as intrigued as everybody else. I didn't really think much of it until they put a curtain up this morning.

"It's strange to keep someone there all this time."

The building was evacuated at around 7.40am on Saturday morning after a cleaner allegedly found the items, and the car park was cordoned off as forensic officers examined the scene.

The neighbouring Shell garage was allowed to keep trading, and residents of Rest-a-While Park, behind the Travelodge and diner, were allowed to come and go, although a police officer was stationed at the entrance.

The Travelodge and Little Chef re-opened early on Sunday morning.

Two police vans, including a Scientific Investigation vehicle, were still outside the building, also home to a Little Chef, this morning.

Two men from London, aged 22 and 37, have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.