Bomb squad uncover 'improvised explosive devices' in Blackpool after man arrested

A man has been arrested and a road remains closed after police discovered ''improvised explosive devices" inside a property in the resort.
By Sean Gleaves
Published 27th Nov 2020, 10:24 GMT
Updated 27th Nov 2020, 10:40 GMT
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Police rushed to an address in Bolton Street, reportedly the Amazing Graze Soup Kitchen, after a man was spotted behaving suspiciously at around 2.50pm yesterday (November 26).

A "suspicious package" was found when officers searched the property as well as an item which was initially believed to be a shotgun.

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A 58-year-old man was quickly arrested on suspicion of firearms offences and an immediate cordon was put in place.

Following further inspection by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team it was found both the shotgun and the package were "improvised explosive devices."

Police have confirmed the IEDs have been safely dismantled but the road remains closed while specially trained officers search the building today (November 27).

Supt Damian Kitchen, of Blackpool Police, said: "We do not believe there is any wider threat to the community and we are treating this as an isolated incident.

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"A cordon remains in place while the building is searched today.

The road remains closed while specially trained officers search the building. (Photo by Dave Nelson)The road remains closed while specially trained officers search the building. (Photo by Dave Nelson)
The road remains closed while specially trained officers search the building. (Photo by Dave Nelson)

"We would like to thank people for their patience and understanding. We will update you in due course."

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