Explosives, Guns, and Drugs Found in UK House Search Following Fraud Arrest

Police discovered explosives, firearms, and drugs at a property in Worle, near Weston-super-Mare, England, following the arrest of a 70-year-old man on suspicion of fraud. The discovery prompted the evacuation of 153 homes and a significant multi-agency response.

Officers initially attended the residence on Wednesday morning to arrest the man for fraud by false representation. During a preliminary search, they encountered suspected explosives and other concerning items, leading to an escalation of the operation. The man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing explosive substances.

Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers were called to the scene at 12:30 p.m., and a 100-meter cordon was established, necessitating the evacuation of nearby residents. After a delay to ensure the safety of the public and facilitate the evacuation, the bomb squad entered the property around 7:30 p.m. They subsequently destroyed tubs that were suspected of containing explosives.

In addition to the explosives, officers also found a firearm, an air rifle, and illegal drugs within the property, according to Avon and Somerset Police. A secondary location of interest was identified following the initial searches, and an EOD unit was dispatched to a non-residential site off the A370 near Hewish. Searches at this secondary location concluded without incident around 10 a.m. on Thursday.

The cordon around the primary property was lifted by approximately 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, allowing residents to return to their homes. North Somerset Council established a rest center to support evacuated residents, assisting nearly 40 individuals, with almost 30 requiring overnight accommodation.

North Somerset Policing Superintendent Jen Appleford acknowledged the significant disruption caused to residents. She stated that the priority was public safety and that the incident evolved rapidly from a routine arrest attempt into a complex multi-agency operation involving police, fire, ambulance services, the military's EOD unit, the NHS, and North Somerset Council. Specialized police units, including the dog unit and search teams, were deployed to manage the situation.

Superintendent Appleford thanked residents for their patience and understanding, as well as partner agencies and local businesses that offered support. The suspect remains in police custody, and inquiries are ongoing. Police have reassured the public that there is currently no wider risk, and they believe the incident to be isolated.

Officers will continue to patrol the area as investigations proceed. The police are encouraging anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward.