A MAN has been charged with communicating false information following a bomb hoax in Bury St Edmunds yesterday.

Steven Cook, 35, of Deven Close in Bury has been charged following the incident where hundreds of people had to be evacuated from the Arc shopping centre.

Police were called at 1.56pm yesterday to reports that a man was being abusive and threatening staff inside the Debenhams store in Bury St Edmunds.

The man allegedly told staff he had an explosive device, after making threats.

The store was evacuated and a cordon was put in place.

More than 240 primary school children, who were part of a concert at the Apex entertainment venue, had to be evacuated.

The bag was searched and nothing suspicious was found within.

Mr Cook has been charged with the bomb hoax – communicating false information – and is due before Bury St Edmunds Magistrates on Friday, June 29.