Zoe Watts: Lincoln police worker's trial on explosive and weapon offences

Zoe Watts was arrested at her house in St Helen's Avenue, Lincoln in October

A police worker charged with having an explosive device, modified firearms and illegal butterfly knives at her home is to face trial next year.

Zoe Watts, 34, was arrested last month after police searched her house in St Helen's Avenue, Lincoln.

Ms Watts appeared before Lincoln Crown Court and was told she will go on trial in May.

No charges were put to her during the hearing and she was remanded in custody.

Judge John Pini QC set a provisional trial date for 17 May.

A quantity of chemicals and a number of weapons were found when Ms Watts was arrested, according to Lincolnshire Police.

Nearby houses were evacuated and a bomb disposal team had to carry out safety checks.

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Ms Watts has been suspended by the force pending the outcome of criminal proceedings and an investigation, Lincolnshire Police said.

She was previously a Police Community Support Officer but was serving as a member of police staff at the time of her arrest.

In all she faces six charges including possession of an explosive substance, possession of a firearm and importing a prohibited weapon.