27/06/23
Leyland terrorism incident latest as man released on bail and cordon lifted after 'potential explosives' found in home
A man was arrested under the Explosives Act after "suspicious chemicals and potential explosive equipment" were found at a house in Leyland has been bailed.
Emergency services swarmed to the property on Nursery Close and various buildings near the town's civic centre were evacuated. Specialist bomb disposal teams and military personnel were called to the scene at around 6am.
Officers executed a warrant at an address on Nursery Close where they found what they described as 'quantities of items of concern'. The cordon has now been lifted and residents who were evacuated have been able to return to their homes.
Police 'added that a number of officers will remain in the area to reassure the public and anyone with information or concerns should feel free to approach them'.
In a statement issued late last night, Lancashire Constabulary said: "The 59-year-old man who was arrested earlier today has now been released on police bail pending further enquiries. The investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West is ongoing with support from Lancashire Police and partner agencies.
"Once again we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support while we dealt with this complex and fast-moving incident."
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Superintendent Gary Crowe said that CTPNW was leading the investigation due to their expertise and skills but that it is "not currently being treated as a terrorist incident". Supt Crowe added that no other addresses or people are thought to be linked but refused to comment on how the raid first came about.
He said: "We appreciate this will be concerning for the community of Leyland but we want to assure residents we are working extremely hard with all our partners to make the address safe and bring the matter to a swift conclusion. Those people whose homes or businesses have been evacuated are being supported at an evacuation centre nearby."
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