Homes evacuated after bomb disposal unit called to road

Caroline Robinsonand
Cameron Weldon,Plymouth
News imageBBC A bomb disposal van. It is a white van with a high visibility green and blue strip on the side. There is police tape in the background. There are cars parked on the road.BBC
Devon and Cornwall Police said bomb disposal experts from HMNB Devonport were assisting officers

A number of homes have been evacuated in a Devon street after a 100m (328ft) cordon was put in place by police while bomb disposal experts investigate.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers searched a property in the College Avenue area of Mutley, Plymouth, which led to a man in his 20s being arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate.

Following the arrest, police said inquiries were continuing and a cordon was in place on the road, with a bomb disposal team assisting the investigation.

The force said the Royal Navy bomb disposal team from Devonport had been requested to "assess some items located in the property" which required specialist review.

News imageA police van and a police officer stood next to it. To the right is a bomb disposal truck. There is take in the background.
Devon and Cornwall Police placed a 100m cordon on College Road in the Mutley area of Plymouth

"A cordon is in place to facilitate emergency service access and public safety while they attend," a police spokesperson added.

Police said there is not believed to be any wider risk and that it is "not believed to be terrorism related at this time".

The force said it could not confirm how long the cordon would remain in place.

Plymouth Highways said in an X post people should expect delays in the area as a result of the cordon being put in place.

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