Terrorism ruled out by police after man arrested in Worle for possessing explosive substances

Police have a confirmed that terrorism has been ruled out after a man was arrested in Worle yesterday afternoon for possessing explosive substances.

The incident, which resulted in over 150 houses being evacuated was arrested for possessing explosive substance as well as the original offence of fraud which was the initial reason police attending his property.

Today, a second non-residential site was searched by police near Hewish in relation to the incident, however no items of interest were located

A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said:

“A 70-year-old man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of fraud and possessing explosive substances.

Detectives attended an address in Becket Road, in Worle near Weston-super-Mare, at around 11.15am yesterday (Wednesday 30 September) to carry out an arrest attempt in connection with a fraud investigation.

Following an initial search of the property, suspected explosives were discovered and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was called.

A cordon was put in place and 153 properties were evacuated until 6.15am this morning (Thursday 1 October) when the cordon was lifted.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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."