An Essex neighbourhood has been cordoned off by police this afternoon while a bomb squad responded to a 'dispute'. Police cars and a bomb disposal van have been spotted in Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, with police called to reports of a neighbour dispute in Sawyers Grove at around 7.20am.
Police say that the cordon spans 100 metres. At the scene, at least two police cars are present, with a bomb disposal van parked outside one of the homes. Police say that a door had been damaged as part of 'the neighbour dispute'.
Arrests and Specialist Assessment
Officers attended and forced entry to an address, where a man and a woman were arrested. During a subsequent search of the address, a number of small items were found which required specialist assessment. Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts were called to the scene and are examining the items to establish what they are.
A number of homes within the 100-metre cordon were evacuated as a precaution while this work continues.
Local Impact and Access Restrictions
The street is located close to Merrymeade Country Park, and there is a pathway leading to the park that has also been cordoned off by officers. Locals walking by said that 'no one has any idea what is going on'.
An animal sanctuary on Sawyers Hall Lane has said the top of the road remains closed. In a statement, they wrote: 'If you're heading to Hopefield today, please access the sanctuary via Ongar Road / Highland Avenue. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you soon.'
