THE Bomb Squad was called to Devizes yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon after a suspected explosive device was found at a house on an estate on the edge of town.

It is understood the mother of a man living at Anzio Road on the Marina Meadows Estate rang 999 and reported the suspicious item.

Police cordoned off the road from about 12.30pm and evacuated some people from their homes. Others who arrived home unaware of the drama were not allowed back to their houses.

One elderly lady, who lives close to the house where the suspect item was found, begged police to allow her to go back to rescue her dog but she was not allowed through.

She said: “It is very nervous. I am terrified about what is going to happen. I keep asking if I can go back but they won’t let me.”

Police would not confirm what sort of item had been found but rumours were spreading via social media that gunpowder taken from fireworks had caused the alarm to be raised.

Leah Ann, 19, arrived by car at the entrance to Anzio Road shortly after the cordon was put in place wearing her dressing gown, as she had been collecting her work uniform from a friend.

She said: “I have spoken to my friend on the phone but she is not allowed out of her house and I can’t go in to her.

“She hasn’t been told anything.”

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Due to the nature of the item, a precautionary 50 metre cordon has been put in place around the address in Anzio Road and a number of residents have been evacuated from their homes.

“Wiltshire Council has arranged for them to be temporarily housed at The Hourglass pub nearby.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit are currently at the scene and we are being supported by partners from the fire and ambulance services as a precaution. Nobody has been injured.”

Duty Supt Chris Chammings said: “This incident is currently ongoing and we would ask for everyone’s patience and co-operation while we work alongside partner agencies to establish exactly what we are dealing with.”

People returning home were told to go the nearby Hourglass pub to meet a Wiltshire Council worker.

Police were also directing people to the fire service training centre on the Hopton Industrial Estate, where hot drinks were being provided.