Man arrested for explosive offence following Worle incident

A man was arrested on suspicion of possessing explosive substances yesterday evening (Wednesday 30 September).

Detectives attended an address in Becket Road, in Worle near Weston-super-Mare, at around 11.15am to carry out an arrest attempt in connection with a fraud investigation.

A 70-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and was taken into custody.

During an initial search of the property, officers located items they suspected to be explosives, together with other suspicious items. As a precaution, specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers were called to assess the scene at 12.30pm.

A 100m cordon was put in place at around 1.30pm and EOD arrived on scene at 2.15pm.

In total, 153 properties were affected within the cordon and officers worked with colleagues from North Somerset Council to evacuate the properties and set up a rest centre at Castle Batch Community Centre, which later moved to The Campus in Weston-super-Mare.

EOD initially were unable to enter the property to start their searches due to homeowners remaining within the cordon. After the last individuals were evacuated, EOD entered the address at around 7.30pm and located the explosive material which was removed from the property and destroyed.

A room-by-room search was conducted and further items including a firearm and drugs were found and have been removed from the address.

The man was further arrested on suspicion of being in possession of explosive substances for unlawful purpose. He remains in police custody at this time.

The cordon was lifted at around 6.15am this morning (Thursday 1 October) and residents were allowed to return home.

Following the searches, another location of interest was identified and an EOD unit has attended the non-residential site off the A370 near Hewish this morning. Searches concluded at around 10am and were negative and EOD have since come away from the scene.

North Somerset Policing Superintendent Jen Appleford said: “I recognise the significant impact this incident has had on residents who were evacuated from their homes last night, and on those living near the cordon.

“Our priority is always to protect the public and, in situations like this, we sometimes have to make difficult decisions to ensure everyone remains safe.

“What began as a routine arrest attempt yesterday quickly developed into a significant multi-agency response involving police, fire and ambulance services, the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, alongside colleagues from the NHS and North Somerset Council.

“Our dogs unit, specialist search and operational support teams were utilised for this incident and neighbourhood policing and patrol teams supported with the evacuation and cordon.

“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.

“The suspect remains in police custody and enquiries are ongoing. We understand there may be concerns within the community, but we would like to reassure people that there is currently no wider risk to the public and we believe this to be an isolated incident.

“Officers will remain in the area while investigations continue and we would encourage anyone with information who may be able to assist our enquiries to contact us.”