Major incident as more than 60 homes evacuated

More than 60 homes have been evacuated by emergency services over concerns there may be explosive items at a house.

Police confirmed an arrest has been made following reports of a man acting suspiciously at a house in South Liberty Lane in south Bristol.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said concerns had been raised with emergency services at about 17:55 BST that an individual may have had access to potentially explosive items.

A large cordon is in place in the area and a major incident has been declared, with homes evacuated and residents sent to a nearby community centre after being told they will not be allowed home overnight.

There have been no casualties related to the incident, and a bomb disposal team is working at the scene.

The team arrived at about 19:50, following the arrest of a man at 19:10, officers said.

Police said work at the scene was ongoing, with a spokesperson adding: "Public safety is our main priority and therefore a precautionary 100m (328ft) cordon has been put in place."

The force said 63 properties were within the cordon, with homes in South Liberty Lane, Risdale Road and Swiss Lane evacuated.

Ashton Vale Community Centre, in Risdale Road, has been opened to help support affected residents, with some 50 people seeking refuge there - though they have now been told they will not be allowed back into their homes on Tuesday evening and have been asked to find somewhere to stay or ask the council for assistance.

More have been evacuated from the area, but left in cars or on foot to stay with friends and family.

Police thanked members of the public for their "patience and understanding", and have asked people to avoid the area.

Resident Sophie Rose, who has lived in the area for 27 years, told the BBC she had seen armed police, adding it had been "very frightening" and she was "scared, tired" and wanted to return home.

When it came to updates from officials, she said, there had been "nothing".

"We did have a police lady come down and use the toilet and not say anything, which I didnt think was helpful but it is what it is," she said.

Risdale Road resident Peter Poland told BBC News he had been evacuated from his home to the community centre at around 19:15 and had since "just been waiting to hear news about whats happening".

He added he had seen emergency services at the scene, including "a couple of policemen with weapons".

Describing the atmosphere at the community centre, he said: "These guys have been amazing, theres the community spirit and weve won the football so all good."

Fellow resident Claire Price added: "Its not a good situation but I guess we just have to do what the police think is safe.

"Its really shocking, its usually quite a quiet area so its not nice to have that going on round the corner but I guess thats what happens nowadays."

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