Cordon lifted after bomb disposal called over 'suspicious items'

Police informed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and a 100m cordon has been put in place

A police cordon has been lifted and residents allowed to return to their homes after "suspicious items" were found following a fire.

Police were called to the High Street in Timsbury, North East Somerset, at about 05:15 BST after firefighters alerted them to the items.

Police informed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and a 100m cordon was been put in place with residents evacuated "as a precaution".

A man, who required some medical attention, has been arrested on suspicion of arson, Avon and Somerset Police said.

He is currently in hospital, but remains in custody.

Avon and Somerset firefighters were first called to a fire at the address

"The fire has been extinguished but firefighters made officers aware they found a number of potentially suspicious items within the address," a police spokesperson added.

"Public safety is always our paramount concern and therefore we notified the EOD of the situation and implemented as a precaution a 100m cordon at their request.

"EOD ensured the items were made safe, and following further checks of the property, we were able to initially reduce the cordon size earlier this afternoon.

"Residents living within the cordon were asked to evacuate, and we worked with Bath and North East Somerset Council to ensure they were able to access Conygre Hall, if needed. The cordon has now been lifted and those residents can return home."

No other injuries have been reported.

Ms Young said she called the fire brigade after waking because of the smell of smoke

Acting Chief Inspector Jon Nash said: “Public safety is always our priority, and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of the people of Timsbury today.

“Meticulous searches have been carried out and we are satisfied there is no ongoing risk to the public. Therefore, at about 4.30pm we lifted the cordon.

"Officers remain at the property carrying out investigative inquiries because a man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in our custody. He has required some medical attention, but we’re pleased to say nobody else has.

“Emergency services and the council have well-rehearsed plans for such incidents to help keep the public safe.

"We recognise such incidents have a huge impact on the public, particularly in a small community like Timsbury.

"For that reason, we will carry out high-visibility reassurance patrols in the coming days so residents can come and talk to us and share any wider concerns they may have.”

Ms Young said the morning had been "traumatic"

Jemma Young, who lives next door to the house involved, said she woke up because of the smell of smoke at around 04:00 BST.

"I phoned the fire brigade. It's been quite a traumatic morning, it's not the kind of thing you expect to wake up to," she said.

"It's such a lovely village. I've lived around here all my life, it's really shocking.

"There was no time to think. My work laptop is still in there, I'm panicking and worried. My poor cat - I didn't even have a chance to feed her."

Geraldine and Peter Buchanan said it was normally "really quiet" in Timsbury

Geraldine Buchanan, who also lives on the road, said she was woken up by police officers banging on the door saying residents had to evacuate.

Her husband, Peter Buchanan, added: "It was really strange because we didn't know what had happened. The police weren't telling us very much.

"It's generally really quiet, peaceful, around here."