A significant police operation unfolded in Blackpool today after the discovery of potentially explosive material at a residential property, leading to the arrest of a teenage boy.
Major Incident on Gloucester Avenue
Officers from Lancashire Constabulary attended an address on Gloucester Avenue in Blackpool at around 11:30am. During their inquiries, they found what was described as a 'quantity of items of concern', which included material with the potential to explode.
As a precautionary measure, police made the decision to evacuate a number of nearby properties to ensure public safety. The emergency response quickly escalated, drawing in specialist resources and creating a major presence in the area.
Multi-Agency Emergency Response
The discovery triggered a large-scale operation involving multiple emergency services. Bomb disposal specialists were immediately called to the scene to assess the items and render them safe if required.
Their work was supported by local police officers, crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service. The coordinated effort was focused on securing the address and minimising risk to the community.
Schoolboy Arrested and Community Impact
Following the initial discovery, a 16-year-old schoolboy was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. He remains in police custody for questioning.
Chief Inspector Martin Wyatt acknowledged the disruption caused, stating that the police and emergency services presence would likely remain into the evening. He urged the public to avoid the area where possible.
'We appreciate that this will be disruptive and concerning for the local community,' said Chief Inspector Wyatt. 'But we want to reassure all residents we are working extremely hard with all our partners to make the address safe and bring this matter to as swift a conclusion as we can.'
The police have thanked evacuated residents for their support and cooperation during the ongoing operation. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
