Bomb squad operation on Grimethorpe home sees households are evacuated
A bomb squad operation on a Grimethorpe house has led to over 100 families being evacuated, as two people are arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.
South Yorkshire Police established a 100-metre cordon around a property in Grimethorpe, Barnsley, this morning after ‘a number of suspicious items’ were found as police executed a warrant.
Later on, the force said that about 130 homes in the former pit village were being evacuated warning affected residents they may be out of their properties for 48 hours.
A 58-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Firearms Act remains in custody, police said.
A bomb disposal van with a police officer stood nearby at a street in Grimethorpe, Barnsley today
Police put a 100-metre cordon around a property this morning after ‘a number of suspicious items’ were found as officers executed a warrant
Members of the armed services pictured attending the scene today
Barnsley Council has opened a rest centre at St Luke’s Church for households with nowhere else to go.
The force said there are no schools within the cordon and pupils at schools nearby were picked up as normal.
A force spokesman said: ‘Around 130 homes are being evacuated while emergency services continue their response after a number of suspicious items were found at an address … following a warrant this morning.
‘It is anticipated residents may be evacuated for 48 hours.
An aerial view of the scene in Grimethorpe showing emergency services vehicles and police tape (video grab)
A bomb disposal vehicle and police cars pictured at the scene today (video grab)
A mobile CCTV unit pictured with two police officers stood by the bomb disposal van
Officers standing by the bomb disposal vehicle (video grab)
‘Anyone evacuating is asked to pack a bag with all the essentials you may need for the next couple of days.
‘Please consider any medication you may require and what arrangements need to be put in place for your pets.’
He said: ‘All roads within the 100m cordon are closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
‘Emergency services, the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and other partners remain in the area.’
Police officers pictured standing by a road closed sign as about 130 homes were evacuated
Bomb disposal equipment pictured at the scene today
Assistant Chief Constable David Hartley said: ‘We are very grateful to local residents for their continued patience and understanding as we carry out our vital work.
‘This has already greatly helped our response and public safety will remain at the forefront of our minds as this investigation progresses.’
Leader of Barnsley Council Sir Steve Houghton said: ‘We’re working closely with our colleagues at South Yorkshire Police, and we have staff out in the area supporting their response.
‘We have opened a rest centre at St Luke’s Church for people who are being evacuated and don’t have anywhere else to go.
‘I urge local people to follow the advice from the police and keep them and their families safe.’
