Families evacuated from flats in Mayenne Place, Devizes, yesterday following fears of possible explosives in a neighbouring property were told they could return at around 11.30pm last night.

They had been given a temporary home in the former register office at Browfort, the former HQ of Kennet District Council, where one of the evacuees described the atmosphere as light hearted. "It was like the Dunkirk spirit," he said.

As the residents were taken home at around midnight, each received a call from police thanking them for their co-operation.

A Wiltshire Police spokeman said their officers and colleagues from the Army conducted a thorough search of the property in Mayenne Place following information received after the arrest of a man earlier yesterday.

As a precautionary measure, some nearby residents were evacuated to a place of safety.

Inspector for Devizes Matthew Armstrong said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their support and patience during this incident.

"We acted on information disclosed to us and took the relevant, precautionary measures.

"I would also like to thank our partnership agencies for their support throughout this evening."