Telford blast threat sparks evacuation
Hundreds of residents were forced to flee their homes in Telford after police found suspected explosives and firearms in a top floor flat.
About 100 homes were evacuated in Leonard Close, Donnington, on Saturday after the discovery in a block at the end of the cul-de-sac.
A man who was arrested and questioned in relation to the incident has been released on bail.
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Police today said inquiries were continuing into the nature of the suspect material found at the property.
About 40 police officers, some from other parts of the county, helped residents to safety beyond a 100m cordon around the property.
The Army's bomb squad was called to help deal with the suspected explosives.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Wells, from Telford CID, said: "As a result of a previous random road stop a man was detained by police and subsequently arrested.
"During Saturday morning at about 3.15am a search warrant was executed at an address in Leonard Close. Officers found what they believe was an explosive substance. There were also items which are firearms-related. We called in the Royal Logistics Corps bomb disposal unit at 4.45am to do an assessment."
Residents of the 11 homes closest to the flat were evacuated first and the cordon was widened to 100m at about 11.30am.
DCI Wells said: "Members of the public were able to return home at 3pm."
Read more in today's Shropshire Star
