Boy, 16, arrested under Explosives Act after St Alban's Road & Gloucester Avenue, Blackpool homes evacuated
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested under the Explosives Act after homes in Blackpool were evacuated.
At about 11.30am today police attended an address on Gloucester Avenue and found a quantity of items of concern. This includes potentially explosive material.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
Officers, including specialists from Explosive Ordnance Disposal, are attending the address to assess the items and make them safe if necessary.
Homes in neighbouring streets including St Albans Road close to Whitegate Drive were also evacuated for safety reasons.
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are being supported by a number of partners, including Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Northwest Ambulance Service.
“As a precaution a number of properties have been evacuated, and a cordon is in place. Support is being provided to those affected.”
‘We are working extremely hard with all our partners to make the address safe‘
Chief Inspector Martin Wyatt, of West Police, said: “We have a significant policing and emergency services presence in the area, and we are asking people to avoid the area where they can.
“It is expected the response may last into this evening and I want to thank residents who have been affected for their support and cooperation while we go about our work.”
He added: “We appreciate that this will be disruptive and concerning for the local community, but we want to reassure all residents we are working extremely hard with all our partners to make the address safe and bring this matter to as swift a conclusion as we can.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue added: “We’re supporting Lancashire Police at an ongoing incident on Gloucester Avenue, Blackpool.