Evacuation as bomb unit checks 'suspicious' items

A total of 153 properties have been evacuated while a bomb disposal unit investigates "suspicious substances and items" at a property in Weston-super-Mare.

The Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit was called to Becket Road in Worle on Wednesday afternoon and a 100-metre (328ft) cordon was set up in the area.

Avon and Somerset Police said they had arrested a man in his 70s on suspicion of fraud by false representation at a property on Becket Road earlier, where they found "suspicious substances and items".

A refuge centre has been set up at Castle Batch Children's Centre. Police said they were "working hard and at pace to try and resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible."

Roads affected by the cordon include Becket Road, Wesley Drive, Courtenay Walk, Becket Drive, Christian Close, The Larches, Cabot Way and Wynter Close.

A spokesperson from the force said: "A total of 153 properties have been displaced in and around Becket Road, in Worle.

"We are working closely with colleagues at North Somerset Council to ensure those evacuated have suitable support in place and are kept regularly updated at the refuge centre."

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