Man re-arrested on suspicion of explosive offence after homes evacuated in Worle
Around 153 properties within the cordon were evacuated by police yesterday (30 September)
A man has been re-arrested on suspicion of possessing explosive substances after residents were evacuated from their homes in Worle near Western-super-Mare yesterday (30 September).
Detectives attended an address in Becket Road at around 11.15am to carry out an arrest attempt in connection with a fraud investigation.
A 70-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and was taken into custody.
During initial searches of the property, officers found items they suspected to be explosives along with other suspicious items.
Explosives Ordnance Disposal officers were later called to assess the scene and an 100m cordon was put in place as a precaution.
Around 153 properties within the cordon were evacuated by police and North Somerset Council and a rest centre set up at Castle Batch Community Centre, which later moved to The Campus in Weston-super-Mare.
Avon and Somerset Police say the EOD entered the property at around 7:30pm after all residents had been evacuated and located the explosive material which was removed from the property and destroyed.
Further room-by-room searches by officers found further items including a firearm and drugs which were removed from the address.
The cordon was lifted at around 6.15am this morning (Thursday 1 October) and residents were allowed to return home.
The 70-year-old man was further arrested yesterday evening (30 September) on suspicion of being in possession of explosive substances for unlawful purpose.
He remains in police custody at this time.
Following the searches, another location of interest was identified and an EOD unit has attended the non-residential site off the A370 near Hewish this morning (1 October).
Searches concluded at around 10am and were negative and EOD have since left the scene.
North Somerset Policing Superintendent Jen Appleford said: “I recognise the significant impact this incident has had on residents who were evacuated from their homes last night, and on those living near the cordon.
“Our priority is always to protect the public and, in situations like this, we sometimes have to make difficult decisions to ensure everyone remains safe.
“What began as a routine arrest attempt yesterday quickly developed into a significant multi-agency response involving police, fire and ambulance services, the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, alongside colleagues from the NHS and North Somerset Council.
“Our dogs unit, specialist search and operational support teams were utilised for this incident and neighbourhood policing and patrol teams supported with the evacuation and cordon.
“During an initial search of the property, officers located tubs suspected of containing explosives, together with other suspicious items. As a precaution, specialist EOD officers were called to assess the scene.
“While we recognise that evacuating your home is significant, it is an essential part of incidents of this nature and EOD are unable to conduct their searches until the cordoned area has been made safe.
“Officers and EOD encountered a delay in entering the property to commence searches due to issues with evacuating individuals from within the cordon, but searches were able to commence at around 7.30pm.
“Following a detailed search of the address, a number of explosive substances were recovered and safely removed. Additional items, including an air rifle, firearm and drugs, were also located and seized.
“I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while this complex operation was carried out. I also want to thank our partner agencies for their support throughout the response and to a number of businesses who showed true community spirit in opening their doors, offering food and refreshments for those impacted.
“The suspect remains in police custody and enquiries are ongoing. We understand there may be concerns within the community, but we would like to reassure people that there is currently no wider risk to the public and we believe this to be an isolated incident.
“Officers will remain in the area while investigations continue and we would encourage anyone with information who may be able to assist our enquiries to contact us.”