A MAN has appeared in court following a bomb scare which brought chaos to a town centre.

Shafiq Rehman, 30, of Ayresome Street, Middlesbrough, appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with making a bomb hoax.

The father-of-one was arrested following an incident in Middlesbrough on Friday afternoon.

Cleveland Police said security staff at the Mall shopping centre had reported the suspicious behaviour and three men were arrested.

The town centre was sealed off as explosive experts from Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, carried out a controlled explosion.

Wearing a plain white T-shirt and jeans, Mr Rehman spoke only to confirm his name and address.

No plea was entered and the case is due to be formally committed to Teesside Crown Court on February 22.

Mr Rehman was remanded in custody and will appear via video link at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Two men, aged 28 and 20, arrested in connection with the incident have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Following their arrests on Friday, detectives from Cleveland police carried out searches at their homes.

Mr Rehman was charged with carrying out a bomb hoax contrary to the Criminal Law Act 1977.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said that the offence carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years.

Detective Inspector Chris Sadler, of Cleveland Police, said: "Any kind of serious threat can have an impact on society and we are determined to take strong and positive action to protect all members of society.

"Every person believed to have been involved in this incident has been identified and interviewed by police. We are not looking for any other people in relation to this matter.

"We hope this offers reassurance to the people of Teesside."