A major gay pride event in Brighton has been rerouted following the discovery of a “suspect package”, Sussex Police said.
Expert explosives officers have been called to inspect the discovery on the seafront, part of which has been closed off.
However, police said there is no “immediate risk” to the public.
The start of the annual Brighton and Hove Pride march was delayed while organisers and police agreed a new route avoiding the area.
A police statement said: “Sussex Police have identified a suspect package on Brighton seafront.
“A cordon has been put in place and expert explosives officers are on route. There is no immediate risk to the public and we ask that you respect the cordons in place and the officers dealing with the incident.”
Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp added: “We are working with Pride organisers to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and ensure the safety of those attending Pride celebrations as well as those going about their daily business in the city.”
The march will now travel from Lansdowne Place, along Western Road, before continuing on its original route from the clock tower.
It comes after organisers of the parade, which attracts some 160,000 people every year, planned a new “high-profile” route for 2015 which was due to begin on the seafront close to the city’s peace statue.
Announcing the route earlier this year, the website said: “The Pride Community Parade is going back to its Pride roots in an exciting new high profile parade route for 2015.
“Starting at Hove Lawns the Pride Community Parade will make its way along King’s Road, passing the peace statue where so many past Pride marches began and taking in the best of the city’s seafront, ensuring an amazing view for both participants and spectators.”
The two-day festival is widely acknowledged as the country’s most popular LGBT (lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender) Pride event.
The event is the largest ever held in Brighton, with music from acts including Fatboy Slim, Ella Henderson and The Human League. A candlelit sunset event is also being held as a “unique celebration of love and life” and to remember friends and loved ones from the LGBT community.