Bomb threat closes Cove Beach in Brigantine on Saturday morning

UPDATE: Cove Beach has been re-opened, police said at 1:30 p.m.

BRIGANTINE — Police evacuated the Cove Beach in Brigantine late Saturday morning after a report of a bomb threat. It was reopened about 1:30 p.m.

Municipal officials said one of the beach permit checkers found a note Saturday morning that claimed that an improvised explosive device had been left somewhere on the beach. The Atlantic County bomb squad was notified.

At about 11:30 a.m., police asked everyone to stay away from the Cove Beach until further notice.

Mayor Andy Simpson told the Press of Atlantic City that he hoped the threat was a hoax. An hour later, police said there was no threat to the public but that the beach would remain closed for an investigation.

Other neighboring beaches, however, did not seem to be affected.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-359-5348 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.