A 70-year-old man was arrested and more than 150 homes were evacuated after explosives, an air rifle and drugs were found inside a property in Worle near Weston-super-Mare.
Detectives went to an address on Becket Road at around 11.15am yesterday to make an arrest in connection with a fraud investigation. The man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, but a search of the property uncovered a number of suspicious items, including suspected explosives.
Specialist officers called to scene
Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers were called to the scene. A 100m cordon was put in place and 153 properties within the perimeter were evacuated.
EOD officers were unable to enter the property for five hours because some residents remained in their homes. They finally entered the address at around 7.30pm and found explosive material, which was removed and destroyed, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Further items seized
A room-by-room search revealed further suspicious items, including a firearm and drugs, which were also removed. The 70-year-old man was further arrested on suspicion of being in possession of explosive substances for unlawful purpose.
He remains in police custody. The cordon was lifted at around 6.15am this morning and residents were allowed back into their homes. A rest centre was initially set up at Castle Batch Community Centre, later moving to The Campus in Weston-super-Mare.
Second location searched
Another location of interest was identified following the searches at a non-residential site off the A370 near Hewish this morning. An EOD unit was sent there, but searches were negative.
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."
Supt Appleford explained that a dogs unit and specialist search and operational support team were used during the incident. She added that the initial search of the property revealed "tubs" suspected of containing explosives, which led to EOD being called "as a precaution".
She said: "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."
She thanked residents for their patience and partner agencies for their support, as well as businesses that offered food and refreshments for those impacted.
Supt Appleford said: "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.
