Explosives Experts Scrutinise Items in Plymouth Residential Street Evacuation
Bomb-disposal specialists have been urgently summoned to a residential street in Devon, where police have enforced a significant evacuation following the discovery of suspicious items. The incident unfolded in College Avenue, located in the Mutley neighbourhood of Plymouth, after officers executed a warrant at a property there.
A 26-year-old white British man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possessing a firearm without the required certificate. He remains in police custody as investigations continue. During subsequent searches and enquiries at the house, officers uncovered further items that necessitated expert analysis, prompting the call for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team on Tuesday evening.
Emergency Response and Public Safety Measures
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that emergency services responded to an unspecified incident in College Avenue. To ensure public safety, authorities evacuated a number of properties and established a substantial 100-metre police cordon around the area. The cordon is designed to allow emergency services unimpeded access while the delicate work of the bomb squad proceeds.
Plymouth City Council swiftly set up an evacuation centre at a local community hub to accommodate residents who had nowhere else to go. This measure aimed to provide temporary shelter and support for those displaced by the unfolding events.
Police Statements and Ongoing Assessment
In an official statement, Devon and Cornwall Police emphasised that the items located required expert analysis from the bomb disposal team. They stated, "The cordon is in place for public safety and to allow suitable access for emergency services at the scene while this work is ongoing." Authorities have clarified that the case is not believed to be terrorism-related and that there is no perceived wider risk to the community.
However, police have been unable to specify how long the cordon will remain in place, noting that updates will be provided to the public as further information becomes available. The situation remains fluid, with bomb-disposal experts meticulously analysing the items to determine their nature and any potential hazards.
The arrest of the 26-year-old man on suspicion of firearm possession adds a layer of complexity to the incident, though police have not detailed any direct connection between the firearm allegation and the items requiring explosive analysis. The community awaits further developments as authorities work to resolve the situation safely and efficiently.
