Man charged with making explosive substance in south Gloucestershire

The A38 was shut outside the police station as the army investigated a package

A 43-year-old man has been charged with creating a bomb hoax after a police centre and nearby homes were evacuated.

Police said the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD) was called to Patchway Police Centre shortly after 17.00 BST on Saturday.

A 328 ft (100m) cordon was set up for the EOD to examine a suspicious item.

Jason Lenton, of Southmead, Bristol, has been charged with making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose and organising a bomb hoax.

Jason Lenton is appearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Monday

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said that as a precaution while the EOD investigated, people had been asked to leave nearby homes and businesses.

They later concluded the object did not present a risk to the public.

Mr Lenton appeared at Bristol Magistrates' court on Monday before he was remanded into custody.

He is due to appear at the same court on 14 August.