Blackpool boy, 16, arrested over 'modified fireworks' detained under Mental Health Act

The teenager was arrested under the Explosives Act after police discovered “improvised fireworks of some power” at a home in Gloucester Avenue on New Year’s Eve.

Lancashire Police said he has now been detained under the Mental Health Act following a further assessment.

Families were evacuated from their homes and streets cordoned off after a number of suspected modified commercial fireworks were found at the address at 11.30am on Wednesday (December 31).

Bomb disposal teams made the scene safe and removed the devices, described as “improvised firework-types of some power” and “potentially very dangerous”.

The cordon was lifted at 9.30pm and those evacuated were allowed to return to their homes.

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A police spokesperson said: “We just wanted to give you an update following the significant emergency services response in Blackpool on New Year’s Eve.

“As a reminder of the circumstances at about 11.30am on Wednesday (December 31) we attended an address on Gloucester Avenue and when we went in we found a quantity of items of concern.

“Officers, including specialists from Explosive Ordnance Disposal, attended the address to assess the items and make them safe.

“A number of suspected modified commercial fireworks were found. They were made safe by EOD officers and removed from the address.

“A cordon was put in place and a number of homes evacuated and looked after at a nearby location. We are again grateful to partners for their efforts in looking after the displaced people.

“A 16-year-old boy from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.

“He has now been detained under the Mental Health Act following a further assessment.”