Arrest after suspected explosive materials found

Police have closed Watts Road in Beverley while an assessment is carried out

A man has been arrested after suspected explosive materials were found at a home in Beverley.

Officers were called to Watts Road at about 08:30 BST to reports of an altercation between three men, during which one man was reportedly assaulted with a hammer.

A 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault, and a 27-year-old man fled inside a nearby address where firearms, a hammer and suspected explosive materials were found, Humberside Police said.

The latter was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and possession of an explosive substance and remained in police custody, the force added. A 35-year-old man has been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The force believes the three men knew each other.

A 100m (328ft) cordon has been put in place and police have asked people to avoid the area.

Residents have been evacuated, with some being taken to Beverley Leisure Centre, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said.

Ch Supt Simon Vickers said the materials have now been safely removed and will be disposed of but the cordon remains in place "to allow emergency services to safely conclude their inquiries".

Luke Savage was evacuated from his home earlier

Resident Luke Savage, 45, said he was on his way home from the shops when he "heard a commotion".

"Me and my son went to get a coffee and, as we came back, we were told we couldn't come down the street anymore. It has been cordoned off," he said.

Colin Ferguson, 58, who lives in flats nearby, said he was evacuated at about 11:00 BST. "It's just a bit unusual," he added.

Ch Supt Vickers said: "The items discovered were a cause for concern and had to be examined by specialists to ensure it was appropriately handled and dealt with, so not to cause any risk or threat to the public.

"I want to thank all our residents and those in the local area for their patience, assistance and understanding, as we have to take all reports of this nature seriously and all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our communities."

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