Grimethorpe: Firearms charges after bomb squad called to village

Emergency services at the scene in Brierley Road, Grimethorpe

Two people have been charged with firearms offences after an Army bomb squad was called to remove a number of "suspicious items" from a house.

More than 100 homes were evacuated when emergency services were called to a property in Grimethorpe on Wednesday.

Ian Claughton, 58, and Lesley Claughton, 57, from Grimethorpe were charged with drug and firearms offences following the incident.

They are due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 7 June.

The duo has been charged with bringing a realistic firearm into the UK, two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs, possession of a firearm and being concerned with the production of class B drugs.

Mr Claughton has also been charged with setting a man trap with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

Both appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Friday where they were remanded in custody ahead of their next court appearance.

Police asked residents to leave their homes on Wednesday

South Yorkshire Police said a number of properties in Brierley Road had been searched, with several suspicious items recovered.

A 100m (328ft) cordon was put in place while the items were removed and made safe, before residents were allowed to return to their homes on Thursday afternoon.

The force has previously said the incident was not terror-related.

Det Ch Insp Al Burns, from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: "I would like to express my gratitude to our partners at South Yorkshire Police and the National Crime Agency, but most importantly the community in Grimethorpe whose patience and support was greatly appreciated whilst we conducted our enquiries."