Two bailed as 'suspicious items' probe continues

Police said the investigation was ongoing but no further public comment would be made

Two people arrested after suspicious items found in a property in Port Erin led to the evacuation of 61 homes have been released on bail, the Isle of Man Constabulary has confirmed.

Homes within about 325ft (100m) of a property in Pairk Beg were evacuated before specialist UK bomb disposal officers were drafted in to assess the danger.

In an update, police said Sunday's incident was believed to be "isolated" and the force was not "currently seeking any further suspects".

Supt Danny Rotchell said while the investigation would continue the scene had been "made safe and released".

Supt Rotchell said: "The two suspects who had been arrested and held in police custody have been released on bail.

"This is to allow for a number of ongoing enquiries as well as assessment of recovered items to be undertaken prior to a final decision being made in conjunction with the Attorney General's Chambers."

Searches

People living in close proximity to the Port Erin property were asked to leave their homes as a precautionary measure at 16:00 BST on Sunday.

The residents affected returned to their homes in the early hours of Monday morning after the UK bomb disposal officers confirmed there was "no longer an existing threat to the residents in the vicinity".

Supt Rotchell said: "The primary focus throughout has been to ensure the safety of the public along with all individuals involved in the searches that have been undertaken."

The incident had seen "a full multi-agency response", which had taken time to carry out "safely and correctly," he said.

"As the scene is now safe, no further public update will be provided," he added.