Boy, 16, arrested and bomb squad called in after ‘explosive materials’ found in Blackpool

Neighbours have been evacuated after potentially explosive materials were found in a family home in Blackpool.

Officers found ‘a quantity of items of concern’ at a terraced home on Gloucester Avenue at 11.30am on Wednesday.

A police spokesman said the teenager had been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.

Bomb disposal specialists entered the property to assess the materials.

Ch Insp Martin Wyatt said: ‘We have a significant policing and emergency services presence in the area, and we are asking people to avoid the area where they can.

‘It is expected the response may last into this evening and I want to thank residents who have been affected for their support and co-operation while we go about our work.

‘We appreciate that this will be disruptive and concerning for the local community, but we want to reassure all residents we are working extremely hard with all our partners to make the address safe and bring this matter to as swift a conclusion as we can.’

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