Police issue update on ‘suspicious items’ that caused evacuation of 150 homes in UK town

A 70-year-old man was also arrested.

As confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police, "a number of explosive substances" were discovered at a property belonging to a 70-year-old man, on Becket Street.

"Additional items, including an air rifle, firearm and drugs, were also located and seized."

The initial discovery of the items prompted the force to call for a Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit to attend the area.

The EOD team tested and destroyed the products, but had to evacuate as many as 150 homes in the surrounding areas.

In a statement, the force's Superintendent Jen Appleford said: "What began as a routine arrest attempt yesterday quickly developed into a significant multi-agency response.

"During an initial search of the property, officers located tubs suspected of containing explosives, together with other suspicious items. As a precaution, specialist EOD officers were called to assess the scene.

"While we recognise that evacuating your home is significant, it is an essential part of incidents of this nature and EOD are unable to conduct their searches until the cordoned area has been made safe.

"Officers and EOD encountered a delay in entering the property to commence searches due to issues with evacuating individuals from within the cordon, but searches were able to commence at around 7.30pm.

"Following a detailed search of the address, a number of explosive substances were recovered and safely removed. Additional items, including an air rifle, firearm and drugs, were also located and seized.

"I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while this complex operation was carried out. I also want to thank our partner agencies for their support throughout the response and to a number of businesses who showed true community spirit in opening their doors, offering food and refreshments for those impacted.’

What happened in Worle on Wednesday evening?

More than 150 homes were evacuated on Wednesday evening after "suspicious substances and items" were found at a property in Somerset, as reported by Sky News.

According to reports, while making an arrest of a 70-year-old man in Worle, near Weston-super-Mare, police searching a property discovered "suspicious substances and items."

Following the discovery of the items, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was immediately called to the address.

Reports have indicated that as many as 153 homes on the streets surrounding the address on Becket Road had to be evacuated, as the EOD unit made their enquiries.

A precautionary 100-metre exclusion zone was also established around the site.

Avon and Somerset Police have since confirmed the suspicious items had been "tested and destroyed."

They added: "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.

"We do believe this to be an isolated incident and searches are continuing."