Homes evacuated after police find 'suspicious items'

A total of 61 homes in Port Erin were evacuated on Sunday afternoon

Two people have been arrested after suspicious items found in a property in Port Erin led to the evacuation of some homes, police have confirmed.

A total of 61 homes within about 325ft (100m) of a property in Pairk Beg were evacuated as a precautionary measure at about 16:00 BST on Sunday.

Specialists from the UK attended the property and deemed it to be safe after an assessment, allowing residents to return home in the early hours.

Supt Danny Rotchell from the Isle of Man Constabulary said the investigation was "ongoing" but confirmed there was "no wider threat to the public at this time".

'Disruption'

He confirmed "two people have been arrested and are currently assisting with our investigation" and the property would remain cordoned off, with a visible police presence in the area.

The constabulary also confirmed an address in Port St Mary was also investigated as part of the operation.

In a statement on Sunday evening, police said they had "cause to cordon off a scene at a property in Pairk Beg, Port Erin due to suspicious items located within the property".

A rest centre was created at a nearby Methodist church building and anyone who had been displaced was encouraged to report there for further support.

On Facebook, Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood described the support drafted in as a "bomb squad".

Once the police and UK specialists had established there was "no longer an existing threat to the residents in the vicinity", those affected were told it was safe to return home.

Supt Rotchell added he was "grateful to those affected for their patience and understanding given the disruption caused".