News, Bristol
Dozens of people have been allowed to return home after a bomb threat forced police to evacuate 63 properties.
Residents living in and near South Liberty Lane in Ashton Vale, south Bristol, were told to leave on Tuesday evening following reports a man had access to potentially explosive items.
A 21-year-old man was arrested at 19:10 BST on Tuesday on suspicion of making an explosive and for being in possession of cannabis. He remains in custody.
A bomb disposal team were deployed and people were allowed to return to their homes just after 03:00 BST when a precautionary 100m (328ft) cordon was lifted.
Police said early investigative enquiries indicate that the item found was not a viable explosive.
A report was initially made of a man acting suspiciously at an address on South Liberty Lane, police said.
A spokesperson for the force added enquiries that led to the suspect’s arrest were ongoing, and a police presence would remain in the area.
Residents were told they would not be allowed to return to their homes on Tuesday evening, and were asked to find somewhere to stay or ask the council for assistance.
Ashton Vale Community Centre in Risdale Road opened to support affected residents, with about 50 people attending.
Neighbour Alex Smethurst said the group spent the night playing 1,000 piece puzzles as they anxiously awaited an update.
“It’s not something you see everyday, and because of the deafening silence, your mind starts to wonder what’s going on,” the 36-year-old said.
“We got no details on the ground from any of the local services. Basically we were left to our own devices once we were told to leave our house, and we’ve heard nothing since.
“I’m lucky because I’m in my youth still, but there are quite a lot of old people in this neighbourhood, people with kids, who were there all night long.”
As dawn broke and they returned to their homes, residents said they were still reeling from the night’s events.
“We’re tired this morning,” said 70-year-old Kevan Feltham.
“You don’t sleep much when you’re away, and god forbid we could’ve come back and our house could’ve been gone.”
Mr Feltham said he asked police what was happening, but was told they could not say.
“The police came knocking on our door and told us we’ve got to get out, we’re being evacuated. It was a little bit frightening,” he recalled.
“I think it could have been handled better. We’ve got to know what’s happened, we can’t just let it go.”
Avon and Somerset Police said officers remained in the area conducting forensic enquiries and additional searches using a dog unit.
A full investigation into the incident has since been opened, the force added.
Supt Stephanie McKenna thanked residents for their patience during the “distressing time”.
“I am aware there were concerns raised by residents about the timeliness of updates provided by officers on the ground,” she added.
“I appreciate this must have been frustrating and worrying and would like to reassure that we strive to provide up-to-date, accurate information as it becomes available.
“It is always our priority to protect and preserve life and officers worked with colleagues from other emergency services to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”
