Bomb squad swoops on sleepy village with homes evacuated after blaze breaks out with ‘suspicious items’ found

HOMES have been evacuated in a Somerset village after "potentially suspicious items" were found inside a home where a serious fire broke out.

Avon and Somerset Police say the explosive ordnance disposal unit has been called and a 100m cordon is in place around a property in Timsbury after a fire broke out earlier this morning, July 16.

A bomb disposal squad is at the scene near St Mary's Close in Timsbury, with roads closed in the area, after a blaze was reported in the early hours of this morning, July 16.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service reported the incident, in High Street, to Avon and Somerset Police at about 5.15am.

The fire had been extinguished by about 11.30am, when the police force issued a statement, but an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit was at the scene after firefighters reported a number of "potentially suspicious items" at the address.

A 100m cordon was set up around the property, with some local residents evacuated.

Police have since said the cordon has been reduced and some people have been allowed to return, but a nearby resident told those living near the property in question are still unable to go home yet.

One man required medical attention at the scene.

A police spokesperson said he has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Photos taken at the scene show a police cordon in place and road closures in the village.

A bomb disposal vehicle was seen in the area this afternoon, with numerous police officers and vehicles at the scene.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "Emergency services have set up a 100m cordon as a precaution in Timsbury following a fire at a residential property this morning (Tuesday 16 July).

“Avon Fire and Rescue Service made us aware of the incident in High Street at about 5.15am.

"The fire has been extinguished but firefighters made officers aware they found a number of potentially suspicious items within the address.

“Public safety is always our paramount concern and therefore we notified the EOD of the situation and implemented as a precaution a 100m cordon at their request.

“EOD are currently at the scene."

As a precaution a number of people have been evacuated.

“Congrye Hall has been opened for them to use.

“One man required some medical attention and he has been arrested on suspicion of arson. No other injuries have been reported."