Bomb alert boy detained under Mental Health Act

A 16-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of explosives offences after potentially dangerous material was found in Blackpool has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Dozens of residents had to leave their homes after Lancashire Police found "items of concern" - discovered to be improvised firework explosives - at a property in Gloucester Avenue at 11:30 GMT on New Year's Eve.

Evacuations saw residents of several streets forced to see in the new year at the Stanley Park Sports Centre.

Police said the boy had been held under mental health legislation "following a further assessment".

Specialists from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) had been sent to the property to assess the items and make them safe.

A spokesman said: "A number of suspected modified commercial fireworks were found.

"They were made safe by EOD officers and removed from the address.

"A cordon was put in place and a number of homes evacuated and looked after at a nearby location.

"We are again grateful to partners for their efforts in looking after the displaced people."

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