Sellafield worker in bomb scare

Darren Morris was last seen at Egremont's Red Lion pub

A bomb has been discovered at the home of a contractor recently employed at the Sellafield nuclear plant.

Explosive experts were called to Southey Walk in Egremont, Cumbria, on Monday afternoon, where the "rudimentary device" was made safe.

Police are now seeking Darren Morris, the property's current occupant, who was last seen in a local pub.

The 30-year-old is understood to have been involved in maintenance work at the nuclear reprocessing complex.

Cumbria Police are liaising with Sellafield Ltd in a bid to trace Mr Morris.

Acting Supt Gary Slater said: "I would like to reassure local people that this is an isolated incident and something which is rare in Cumbria.

"A thorough investigation is under way, but we are asking for the public's help in finding Mr Morris."

'Security measures'

The contractor was last seen at the Red Lion pub in Main Street, Egremont, on Monday afternoon.

A spokesman for Sellafield Ltd said: "Following an incident in Egremont on Monday, Sellafield Ltd and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary were asked to assist Cumbria Police in its search for Darren Morris, who has recently worked on the site as part of externally contracted work.

"The request came following the discovery of a suspicious package at a house occupied by Mr Morris.

"Sellafield Ltd and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary will continue to work with Cumbria Police in an effort to trace Mr Morris."