More than 150 homes evacuated in Somerset after 'suspicious items' found

More than 150 houses have been evacuated after "suspicious substances and items" were found at a property in Somerset. 

A 70-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation after the items were uncovered from a property on Becket Road, in Worle, near Weston-super-Mare on Wednesday, Avon and Somerset Police said.

It was not immediately clear what the suspicious items were, but authorities said the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit had been called to the property and that items have since been tested and destroyed.

Police said a total of 153 properties in the area have been evacuated, and a 100m cordon would remain in place overnight on Wednesday while an "in-depth search" was conducted at the property.

In a series of updates, the force said: "Officers have identified some suspicious items which have been tested and destroyed by the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit.

"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.

"A 70-year-old man remains in police custody."

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A rest centre has been set up at The Campus in Weston for people unable to access their property, North Somerset Council said.

In a social media post, the council said: "Anyone who can't return to their home within the cordoned area, and doesn't have other accommodation available tonight, should go to The Campus."

Police added that arrangements were being made by the council and NHS to support people in need of additional medical attention.

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