Homes evacuated after bomb squad called to St Helens street after discovery of unexploded weapons
A number of homes in St Helens have been evacuated after the bomb squad was called following the discovery of several unexploded weapons.
Merseyside Police say officers attended a property on Chadwick Road on Monday 23 June, following the non-suspicious death of a man in his 60s.
On Tuesday, officers discovered several items of unexploded ordnance at the house and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit have attended to assess the discoveries.
Officers said a safe detonation is being carried out in an open space in the area.
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BBC News
2 days ago
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St Helens residents return after explosives hoard cleared from home
Hundreds of people who were evacuated from their homes have been allowed to return after a four-day bomb disposal operation to clear a home filled with more than 70 explosive devices, firearms and booby traps. Residents of Chadwick Road in St Helens were told to leave on Tuesday after a hoard of explosives was discovered at the home after the property owner's Police said more than 70 improvised explosive devices, fireworks and pyrotechnics, conventional munitions along with 35 weapons including crossbows and firearms were discovered.A spokesman said the number of devices found showed why the cordon was needed as "public safety was paramount". Residents have been contacted to let them know they can finally return home after the disposal of the said they had lifted a cordon in the area following a "methodical and extensive search" of the house and force said the "reclusive" 64-year-old's property was packed with wartime memorabilia, including devices and detonators which officers feared could explode.A number of these were safely detonated in the nearby Eccleston Field, with the property now cleared of "anything of concern", a police spokeswoman Matthew Moscrop said the incident had demonstrated the "strength of community spirit" in the area as residents were forced to stay with family and friends during the four-day search. He said: "While this has been an incredibly tough week for everyone, I hope we will be able to reflect on the way so many people stepped up to the plate to support those in need when it mattered most." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
ITV News
4 days ago
- ITV News
Residents still out of homes after explosives found in St Helens house
Hundreds of people are preparing to spend a fourth day away from home after a hoard of explosives was foun d at a man's house following his death. "Explosive ordnance" was discovered at john Nelson's home on Chadwick Road in St Helens on Tuesday, Merseyside Police said. The "reclusive" 64-year-old's property was packed with wartime memorabilia, including devices and detonators which officers feared could explode. More than 200 homes nearby were evacuated with some families being moved to a local community centre and then a school hall. Residents have yet to be given an estimate of when they can return to their homes. A bomb disposal team carried out a series of safe detonations in a nearby field. They were continuing to work through the house on Thursday to ensure it was safe. Merseyside Police earlier said the address "presented a challenge" as all the rooms in the house contained a "considerable number" of belongings that Mr Nelson had collected over the years. In a later update, the force revealed more improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had been found. It said the area would remained cordoned off overnight into Friday due to concerns that further devices could be found. Some of the ordnance is believed to date back to World War Two. Merseyside Police said Mr Nelson's father was believed to have been in the Home Guard. Chief Inspector Chris Barnes said: 'We realise this will be a really frustrating time for those who have been displaced from their homes and would like to reassure them that we will work our way through the house, with EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) specialists, as quickly as we can, but public safety is our ultimate priority and we have to make sure the search is done properly.'Residents have been incredibly understanding and patient throughout and I know the community, families and friends have pulled together to minimise the impact this incident has on all those affected.'St Helens Borough Council continues to provide assistance based at Chain Lane Community Centre, supported by our PCSOs and I would encourage anyone with concerns to visit the centre where help will be at hand.'Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the road while emergency services remain at the scene.
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
'The police knocked on and we had to evacuate'
The non-suspicious death of a "reclusive" man sparked a chain of events which has seen more than 200 people evacuated from their homes in Merseyside. Police found suspected "explosive ordnance" in a property on Chadwick Street in St Helens on Tuesday after the death of John Nelson, 64. Mr Nelson's home was packed with wartime memorabilia including detonators which officers feared could pose a risk of exploding. Julie Pemberton, whose home backed onto the street, told the BBC the police knocked on her door unexpectedly at about 14:50 BST. Mrs Pemberton said: "They said 'we need you to evacuate your premises', and I said 'when?' and they said 'pretty much now'". "I got my dogs and their stuff and just left, without anything for myself thinking it would only be a few hours, but here we are, still." She said on Tuesday night she stayed with family in the Bolton area, while her husband slept at his sister's house. "Her house isn't big enough for the dogs and everything so it's just bit of a nightmare," she said. Mrs Pemberton spoke while waiting for an alloted time to go and collect belongings from her house, with Merseyside Police saying the search of Mr Nelson's home could take some time. "After that who knows, I could be sleeping in my car", she said. Army bomb disposal experts have carried out a series of controlled explosions on Eccleston Field close to the estate. However a police spokesperson said the ongoing search was "challenging" due to the number of items in Mr Nelson's home. Some of the ordnance is believed to date back to World War Two as Mr Nelson's father was reportedly in the Home Guard, the force said. Merseyside Police also said they had been unable to identify any immediate relatives of Mr Nelson and urged any extended family to get in touch. St Helens Council has set up a reception area at the nearby Chain Lane Community Centre for displaced residents. 'Frustrating situation' Councillor Anthony Burns, leader of St Helens Council, said anyone needing support or refreshments should attend the centre where council officers could help with alternative accommodation. "We understand this has been a very disrupting and frustrating situation for those who have been displaced from their homes," he said. "I would like to thank all those community members and groups, especially Chain Lane Community Centre, who have come together to support the residents who have been affected, by providing refreshments and a place to rest."Motorists and pedestrians were advised to avoid the road while emergency services remained at the scene. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
