A man has been arrested in connection with an incident in Anzio Road, Devizes, on Wednesday.

Officers were called to the scene shortly before 12.30pm, following the discovery of a suspicious item at a private address.

Due to the nature of the item, a precautionary cordon was put in place around the address and those living inside the cordon were evacuated from their homes to The Hourglass pub nearby.

Alongside police officers, representatives from Wiltshire Council were available at the pub to provide community reassurance and help ensure residents were looked after.

During this time, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit attended the scene – any items of concern have now been removed and enquiries are ongoing.

At approximately 10.40pm this evening, officers arrested a local man aged in his 20s on suspicion of possessing/controlling an explosive substance under Section 4 of the Explosives Act.

He is on his way to Melksham custody centre for further questioning.

Residents in the street have now been allowed to return to their homes. A small cordon remains at the address while officers continue with their enquiries.

Duty Supt Chris Chammings said: “This incident has understandably had a large impact on the local community, specifically those residents who have been evacuated from their homes for a lengthy period of time.

"I am extremely grateful to them for their ongoing patience.

“Our priority during this incident has been to ensure the safety of the public.

"Following a number of extensive enquiries, we have arrested a man in connection with the incident and we are satisfied that the scene is safe and there is no risk to the wider public.

“Our enquiries in relation to this incident will continue and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”