Homes remain empty as police investigation continues

Police said support had been made available for people forced to leave their homes

People have been warned they could face a second night away from their homes to allow police to continue investigations into what they have described as "a number of suspicious items".

West Mercia Police was called to an address on Stourport Road in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, on Saturday evening and set up a 100m cordon, telling some people to evacuate.

While the nature of the items has not been specified, an army bomb disposal team was sent to the scene.

The police said a 51-year-old man was arrested and nobody else is wanted in connection with the incident.

Worcestershire County Council said it had closed the road from Sutton Park Road to Goldthorn Road as a precaution.

It remained closed on Sunday and West Mercia Police said support had been offered to those who had been forced out of their homes.

Supt Mo Lansdale said the force and the local authority "do not underestimate the impact this is having on them" and that they were "hugely grateful for their patience".

The 51-year-old man remains in police custody, the force said.

Supt Lansdale added: "At this time we cannot give a time for when these will be completed and the cordon will be lifted, but we will provide updates as soon we are able to do so."

Ian Miller, the chief executive of Wyre Forest District Council, said his authority was "standing ready" to arrange accommodation for anyone who needed it.

He also promised those who stayed at a rest centre on Saturday night would be contacted once the police searches were complete and the cordon was lifted.