POLICE last night arrested a man on suspicion of possessing an explosive substance after a bomb alert in Devizes.

A cordon was lifted on Anzio Road after the man in his 20s was taken into custody.

A police spokesman said: "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 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.”

Police and bomb disposal experts were originally called to Anzio Road at about 12.30pm yesterday.

A 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.

Suspicious items were removed.