Published: January 20, 2012
Explosives alert in Burnham-On-Sea is not terrorism related, say police

A man has been arrested and an area around a home in Burnham-On-Sea was evacuated today (Friday) after police executed a search warrant under the Explosives Act.

Officers set up a 100-metre cordon around a property in Beatty Way following the raid at 7.45am, as pictured here.

Police have evacuated 17 people from around the house but confirmed the incident is not terrorism related.

Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley, from Avon and Somerset Police, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "As a result of some information we received, we obtained a warrant under the Explosives Act and attended an address in Beatty Way."

"A 36-year-old man was arrested and taken into custody. As is normal practice, the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) were alerted and called out to the scene and we await the outcome of their enquiries."

"Based on their initial advice, a 100-metre cordon was set up around the end terrace house. EoD officers then began a detailed search of the property, garden and outbuildings."

"As a precautionary measure we have evacuated homes within the cordon. Some 17 people so far have been taken to a nearby rest centre. We are determined to do everything we possibly can to minimise the disruption to people's daily lives and will return people back to their homes as soon as possible."

"I'm sure local residents will understand and I'd like to thank them for their patience and co-operation."

"We have been working closely with various partner agencies and organisations in response to this incident, and are grateful for their assistance."

"We will, of course, be observing our obligations under the Contempt of Court Act, and will therefore not be naming or confirming the identity of the individual we arrested today."

An Army spokesman confirmed a bomb disposal team from Ashchurch in Gloucestershire had been called to the scene to support the police.