Explosive weapon charge after Cheltenham house raid

Police say the incident in Cheltenham was not terror related

A man has been charged with possession of an explosive weapon following a raid at a house in Cheltenham.

Three properties on Brooklyn Road were evacuated on Friday.

Martin Howard Counsell, 57, of Brooklyn Road, has been charged with possessing a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid or gas/electrical incapacitation device.

He was also charged with possession of a firearm when prohibited for five years.

He appeared before magistrates in Cheltenham on Monday and was remanded in custody to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on 1 December.