Suspected explosives, firearm and drugs found as 153 homes evacuated near Weston-super-Mare

Police evacuated 153 homes near Weston-super-Mare on Wednesday after discovering suspected explosives and other dangerous items during a routine arrest operation. The discovery escalated what began as a fraud investigation into a significant multi-agency response involving the military's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, emergency services and local councils.

During the initial search of the property in Worle, officers found tubs suspected of containing explosives, prompting specialist EOD teams to be called at 12.30pm and a 100-metre cordon to be established. The bomb squad arrived at 2.15pm but faced delays entering until the exclusion zone was fully cleared; searches eventually began at 7.30pm and recovered explosive substances alongside a firearm, an air rifle and drugs. The cordon was lifted at 6.15am the following morning, and a second location checked proved to pose no threat. Nearly 40 residents were supported at rest centres, with almost 30 staying overnight.