23-07-2025
Residents return home after bomb threat evacuation
Dozens of people have been allowed to return home after a bomb threat forced police to evacuate 63 properties.
Residents living in and near South Liberty Lane in Ashton Vale, south Bristol, were told to leave on Tuesday evening following reports a man had access to potentially explosive items.
A suspect was arrested at 19:10 BST on Tuesday and a bomb disposal team was deployed, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Residents were allowed to return home just after 03:00 BST when a precautionary 100m (328ft) cordon was lifted.
A report was initially made of a man acting suspiciously at an address on South Liberty Lane, police said.
A spokesperson for the force added that enquiries that led to the suspect's arrest are ongoing, and a police presence would remain in the area.
Ashton Vale Community Centre in Risdale Road opened to support affected residents, with about 50 people attending while they waited for updates.
They were later told they would not be allowed back to their homes on Tuesday evening, and were asked to find somewhere to stay or ask the council for assistance.
Sophie Rose, who has lived in the area for 27 years, said on Tuesday she had been told very little information from police and was "scared and tired".
Risdale Road resident Peter Poland said he had been told to leave his home at about 19:15 and had seen emergency services at the scene, including armed police.
Describing the atmosphere at the community centre, he said: "These guys have been amazing, there's the community spirit and we've won the football so all good."
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