A 70-year-old man has been arrested and 153 homes evacuated after suspicious items were found at a property in Worle, Somerset. A 100m cordon has been set up overnight following the discovery of suspicious substances and items at the property in Becket Road.
Arrest and evacuation details
Officers arrested the man on suspicion of fraud by false representation in Becket Road, in Worle near Weston-super-Mare, on Wednesday 30 September. The arrest was made as part of an ongoing investigation into fraud offences.
During searches of the property, some suspicious substances and items were found, prompting the 100m cordon to be put in place with 153 properties inside the cordon evacuated. Residents had to leave pets behind.
Police update and rest centre relocation
Shortly after 11pm last night, Avon and Somerset Police issued an update: “We have now had confirmation from the EOD that the 100m cordon must remain in place overnight while an in-depth search is carried out of the property.
“We understand there are several residents with concerns for their pets left at home within the cordon. We appreciate the importance of this but our primary focus is public safety.
“The rest centre has now been relocated to The Campus in Weston-super-Mare and arrangements are being made by NHS and council colleagues to support those who require additional medical attention.
“We do believe this to be an isolated incident and searches are continuing. A 70-year-old man remains in police custody.”
Background on Worle
Worle is a large suburban village in North Somerset, England, that adjoins the eastern edge of Weston-super-Mare. The cordon remains in place overnight while an in-depth search is carried out of the property.
