'Hazardous substances' found after Bristol house fire

"Significant hazardous substances" have been found after a house fire which is not terror-related, police have confirmed.

Emergency crews and bomb disposal experts were called to the blaze in Hastings Close in Bedminster, Bristol.

One of two men hurt in the fire on Friday suffered "life-changing injuries" and has been arrested.

Four roads were shut and a number of residents were unable to return to their homes until Monday evening.

Avon and Somerset Police Assistant Chief Constable Caroline Peters said "specialist scientists" and bomb disposal experts were used to examine the substances found.

She added: "One man remains in hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained in the fire and I can confirm he has been arrested.

"Officers will be questioning him as soon as he is well enough.

"I do not want to speculate on the circumstances which led to the fire but we do believe this to be an isolated incident and we have no reason to believe it is in any way connected to terrorism."

The other man who was taken to hospital has since been discharged.

Hastings Close, Hastings Road, Parsons Street and Hartcliffe Road were cordoned off for three days.

Bristol City Council has been unable to confirm how many people were evacuated from their homes over the weekend and said police are dealing with all enquiries.

"We are constantly looking to provide updates to all those affected but given the complex situation which we are faced with, it has not always been possible to share as much information as we would like," added ACC Peters.