Man, 70, arrested and 153 homes evacuated after ‘suspicious items’ found

A police cordon measuring 100m has been set up overnight following the discovery of suspicious substances and items at a property in Worle, Somerset yesterday.

Over 150 homes have been evacuated within the cordon with residents having to leave pets behind. As part of an ongoing investigation into fraud offences, officers arrested a man, aged 70, on suspicion of fraud by false representation in Becket Road, in Worle near Weston-super-Mare, on Wednesday 30 September.

During searches of the property, some suspicious substances and items were found which prompted a 100m cordon to be put in place with 153 properties inside the cordon evacuated. Worle is a large suburban village in North Somerset, England, that adjoins the eastern edge of Weston-super-Mare.

Shortly after 11pm last night Avon and Somerset Police issued the following update: “We have now had confirmation from the EOD that the 100m cordon must remain in place overnight while an in-depth search is carried out of the property.

“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.

“The rest centre has now been relocated to The Campus in Weston-super-Mare and arrangements are being made by NHS and council colleagues to support those who require additional medical attention.

“We do believe this to be an isolated incident and searches are continuing. A 70-year-old man remains in police custody.”