Homes evacuated as bomb squad race to seaside city after ‘explosives’ discovered
A bomb squad was called to a British seaside town after ‘a quantity of items of concern’ including potentially explosive material were found at a property – and a number of homes have been evacuated
A teenager has been arrested after potentially explosive material was discovered at a property. Lancashire Constabulary reported that several properties were evacuated as a safety measure when officers found “a quantity of items of concern”, including potentially explosive material, at an address in Blackpool around 11.30am on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the force confirmed a 16-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after the items were discovered at the property on Gloucester Avenue.
Bomb disposal experts were called to the scene to evaluate the items and officers were being backed up by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service, according to the police. It comes after a Southampton cruise ship was previously evacuated due to a ‘bomb threat.’
Chief Inspector Martin Wyatt stated: “We have a significant policing and emergency services presence in the area, and we are asking people to avoid the area where they can.
“It is expected the response may last into this evening and I want to thank residents who have been affected for their support and co-operation while we go about our work.
“We appreciate that this will be disruptive and concerning for the local community, 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.”, reports the Express.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue added: “We’re supporting Lancashire Police at an ongoing incident on Gloucester Avenue, Blackpool.
“Several properties have been evacuated as a precaution, and a cordon is in place.
“Please avoid the area while police and specialist teams continue their work.
“We’ll remain on scene with partners to help bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”
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