Update: 21:06, 24 July 2024
Residents of Burn Steet in Longtown have returned to their homes.
A number of houses in the area of Burn Street were evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious item within a property earlier today (24 July).
The evacuation was conducted as a necessary precaution whilst an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team carried out a careful assessment on the item found.
Assessments have declared there is no threat from the item located within the property.
As a result, the 50m cordon put in place as a precaution has been lifted.
Longtown Community Centre was made available for those who were evacuated.
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of making an explosive substance and being concerned in the supply of drugs. He remains in police custody for questioning.
Officers will remain in the area as they continue the investigation into the incident.
Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin, Cumbria Constabulary, said:
“I am pleased to confirm that residents from the Burn Street area can return to their homes.
“I would like to thank all of those who had to leave their homes for the patience they have shown throughout.
"We acknowledge the inconvenience it causes when you cannot stay in your own home, however our priority was and always will be the safety of all residents.
“I would like to thank the EOD for their thorough assessment and all the agencies involved in this response for the work they have done to support those affected.”
Initial message: 15:48, 24 July 2024
A number of homes in Longtown are being evacuated as a precaution following the discovery of a suspicious item within a property.
Officers executed a warrant at a property on Burn Street this morning (24 July) as part of an investigation into information that there may be chemicals in the property.
During their enquires, officers located a suspicious item and have contacted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) for their assessment.
A multi-agency operation is ongoing in response to this incident.
A 50m cordon is currently in place and homes within this area are being evacuated.
Longtown Community Centre, on Arthuret Road, is being used as a reception centre until this incident has been resolved.
At this stage, there is not believed to be any risk to the wider public.
To assist agencies in responding to this incident, members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin, Cumbria Constabulary, said:
“I would like to reassure the public that at this time there is not believed to be any risk to the wider public.
“The action to evacuate residents from neighbouring properties is a precautionary one, whilst we await an assessment by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
“Our officers remain in the area to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance.
“We thank those impacted by the evacuation for their ongoing patience. As soon as it is deemed safe to do so, they will be allowed to return to their homes.”