Controlled blast after man held
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/

A controlled explosion has taken place in Bristol after a man was arrested under the Terrorism Act.

Avon and Somerset police said homes in a cul-de-sac in the Westbury on Trym area were evacuated and some people have not been able to return yet.

The 19-year-old, said to be from the local area, is being questioned by detectives at an undisclosed location.

The controlled explosion was carried out after a raid on the suspect's home. Experts will now analyse the materials.

Covert operation

The arrest was made in the Westbury on Trym area on Thursday afternoon, and on Friday at 0200 BST the controlled explosion was carried out in Comb Paddock road.

Sheila Cook, who lives in Comb Paddock said she heard an explosion in the middle of the night.

"I went outside and found the whole police force there and they just told me to get back inside," she said.

"When I woke up this morning there was a letter telling me they had arrested someone and it was part of an ongoing investigation and that is all I know."

Police said it was too early to say whether further arrests would be made.

Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Roberts said a covert operation got under way after the police received intelligence.

Speaking at a news conference, she said: "A 19-year-old man was arrested yesterday afternoon under the Terrorism Act 2000.

"He has been taken to a police station within the force area and a warrant was executed to search his home in the Westbury on Trym area.

"A number of people were evacuated from neighbouring homes as a precaution, and just after 2am this morning the explosives ordnance disposal team conducted a controlled explosion at the location."




ACC Roberts told reporters the police have had tremendous support from people in the community.

"We would like to reassure people that this arrest has been made at this stage to prevent harm," she said.

"This is likely to be a prolonged, complex and sensitive inquiry which may take some time."

She said it was unlikely people would be able to return to their homes until much later on Friday.

About 30 people had to be moved from their homes.

Bristol City Council said its civil contingencies plan was put into operation and an emergency reception centre was opened for 15 residents at Badocks Wood Primary School.