People have been evacuated from their homes for the second consecutive night in Skelmersdale as a bomb disposal squad returned to the area. Police remain at Birkrig, where officers have been carrying out searches following an incident that began on Wednesday (July 29). Residents nearby have again been asked to leave as a precaution while specialist officers continue their work.
Police explain evacuations
In an update issued on Thursday evening, Skelmersdale Police said: "Some of you might be aware that a number of properties have been evacuated in the Birkrig area and we wanted to let you know why."
"As we told you earlier, we are conducting searches at a property in the area, and they are currently ongoing."
"Our colleagues from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) are assisting us with those searches, and as a result some properties in the area have had to be evacuated as a precaution. If you are one of those people impacted, you will be informed by our officers at the scene."
"We will issue a further update when we can. In the meantime, we would politely ask that people don't engage in unhelpful speculation and allow our officers and colleagues to complete their work."
Care home also evacuated
One person told the ECHO that a nearby care home has also been evacuated, with Lancashire County Council understood to be attempting to arrange emergency accommodation for those affected. The ECHO has approached the council for comment.
Previous day's events
The latest evacuation follows a major police operation in the town on Wednesday. Armed officers and a police helicopter were called to Beechwood Court at around 9am after reports that a man had been seen wielding a rifle. A 47-year-old man from Skelmersdale was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and remains in police custody.
During subsequent enquiries, officers seized a number of air weapons from a property in the Skelmersdale area. Lancashire Police said they believe the weapons were air weapons and not viable firearms.
Later that evening, officers searching an address in Birkrig discovered what was described as a "grenade-type" device, leading to the evacuation of neighbouring flats while Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers examined the item. It was later confirmed to be a replica, allowing residents to return to their homes.
Searches at the Birkrig address are continuing and police said further updates will be issued when possible.
