Houses evacuated after firearms arrest

Police searched a house after a man was earlier detained on suspicion of firearms offences

Residents have been evacuated from their homes after a replica weapon was found by police during a house search as part of a firearms investigation.

A vehicle was stopped and searched near Brassey Street in Birkenhead, Wirral, at about 11:40 GMT and a man was arrested, Merseyside Police said.

The 63-year-old from Oxton has been held on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate and is being questioned in custody.

Officers later searched a house on Briardale Road and an object was found which was suspected to be an ordnance device but it was later confirmed to be a replica which posed no threat to the public, the force added.

Several houses on the road were evacuated as a precaution, the force said.

Neighbours have been allowed to return to their homes while officers continue to search the house.

Merseyside Police said it wanted to "thank local residents for their patience while this incident is dealt with".

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