Man arrested on explosives charges after police incident involving bomb squad in Kidderminster
Roads have now reopened after suspicious items were discovered at a Kidderminster property – one man has been arrested.
Residents were evacuated from their homes on Saturday night as the bomb squad attended the scene on the A541 Stourport Road in Kidderminster after what police described as "a number of suspicious items" being found.
A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.
Experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team at West Mercia Police were called to the area and the road between Sutton Park Road and Goldthorn Road remained shut overnight.
A 110-yard cordon was put in place as a precaution with householders being evacuated temporarily at about 7pm on Saturday.
It was lifted on Sunday and police remained on the scene while searches continued.
Superintendent Melanie Paley, local policing lead for north Worcestershire, said: “I’d like to thank the local community for their patience over the weekend and into today as our searches continue. I don’t underestimate how unsettling and inconvenient it was for you to be out of your home for most of the weekend.
“The safety of the public is absolutely paramount and it was important that these specialist searches were carried out meticulously and they could not be rushed.
“I know the news that items linked to suspected explosive substances being found in this residential area will be alarming. We’re keeping an open mind on how and why the substances came to be there and a thorough investigation is already underway.
“I would ask people not to jump to conclusions about the incident as speculation and rumour will hamper and slow down our investigation.
“Officers will continue to be in the area in the coming days and I’d urge anyone with any concerns to have a chat with them.”
Ian Miller, chief executive of Wyre Forest District Council, said: “The council set up a rest centre at our headquarters Wyre Forest House on Saturday night. This was available to anyone who could not make their own arrangements for somewhere to stay. Three individuals used the facility and a family attended but did not stay. On Sunday we arranged for three individuals and two families (as well as their dogs) to spend the night in hotels in or near Kidderminster.
It must have been a very difficult time for those living in the area and we thank them for their patience and understanding. My thanks also to everyone who assisted with this emergency response.“
Superintendent Mo Lansdale, of West Mercia Police, said: "I want to reassure the public that we have arrested a man in connection with the incident and are not actively looking for anyone else.
"We continue to work with the local council to support those that have been evacuated and do not underestimate the impact this is having on them, we are hugely grateful for their patience and the support they have shown for our officers."
A spokesperson for the force said: "The cordon on Stourport Road in Kidderminster has now been lifted following the discovery of a number of suspicious items at a property there yesterday (Saturday 29 June). The area has now been made safe by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
"People will see a continued police presence around the address as we ensure the area remains safe and continue with our searches.
"All roads that were closed due to the cordon have now reopened. We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding whilst emergency services made the area safe."