By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-30 23:10:59 | Updated at 2026-09-30 23:59:17
50 minutes ago
Hundreds of families in Weston-super-Mare have been forced to evacuate after police uncovered "some suspicious substances and items" at a property.
Some 153 households were ordered to leave the area around Becket Road, as the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) raced to probe the items recovered.
Avon and Somerset Police said the discovery came during a search of a property after a 70-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
The force confirmed that a 100-metre cordon of the area has been put in place as a precautionary measure.
A spokesman said: "A total of 153 properties have been displaced in and around Becket Road, in Worle.
"We are working closely with colleagues at North Somerset Council to ensure those evacuated have suitable support in place and are kept regularly updated at the refuge centre.
"We are grateful to residents understanding and patience at this time and we are working hard and at pace to try and resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible."
The EOD arrived at the scene at around 7.30pm and carried out enquiries inside the property.
Some 153 households were ordered to leave the area around Becket Road after the discovery
Police said the unit has "tested and destroyed" the items.
At 11.20pm, Avon and Somerset Police said they had received "confirmation" from the EOD that the cordon will remain in place overnight.
The unit is continuing to carry out an "in-depth search" of the property.
The force added: "We understand there are several residents with concerns for their pets left at home within the cordon.
The EOD has 'tested and destroyed' the items discovered by police (file photo)
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"We appreciate the importance of this but our primary focus is public safety."
Police confirmed that the affected households have been moved to The Campus community centre overnight.
The NHS and North Somerset Council officials are supporting evacuees who are in need of additional medical attention.
Avon and Somerset Police said they will "endeavour to provide a further update" on the situation on Thursday.
The 70-year-old man arrested earlier this afternoon remains in police custody.
Avon and Somerset Police said they will 'endeavour to provide a further update' on the situation on Thursday
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Earlier, a spokesman for North Somerset Council said: "A number of properties in and around Becket Road in Worle are currently affected by a 100-metre cordon put in place by Avon and Somerset Police as a precautionary measure.
"If you live within the 100-metre cordon and cannot access your property, please either seek shelter with friends and family (if you are able to) or attend Castle Batch Children’s Centre where a reception centre has been set up.
"If you need additional support such as access to medication or pets remain at home etc, please go to Castle Batch Children’s Centre where advice will be available.
"As part of an ongoing investigation into fraud offences, a 70-year old-man was arrested in Becket Road, Worle, near Weston-super-Mare this afternoon. During searches of the property, some suspicious substances and items were located.
"As a precautionary safety measure, a 100m cordon has been in put in place."
