Major incident declared and 53 homes evacuated after bomb squad called to house
More than 50 homes in Cumbria have been evacuated and a major incident declared by police after a ‘suspicious item’ was discovered in a house.
A road in Ulverston remains sealed off more than 12 hours after the bomb squad was first called in to the scene.
Cumbria Police confirmed this morning that a ‘multi-agency operation’ is still ongoing.
The force initially said the 53 homes had been evacuated as a precaution due to a ‘potential electrical issue’ at an address on the town’s Steel Street.
Officers had initially been called to a report of concern for a person’s welfare at 1.30pm yesterday.
A statement said: ‘Officers attended the scene and identified a suspicious item within the house.’
Residents who were told to leave their homes were offered a reception centre at Ulverston Leisure Centre.
It is unclear whether any have been permitted to return.
Chief Superintendent Mick Bird of Cumbria Constabulary said: ‘I fully appreciate that this been a long night for those who have been evacuated from their homes as a necessary safety precaution.
‘As a multi-agency, we are doing all we can to support them. I hope that we can allow them to safely return to their homes as soon as possible.
‘The EOD are working to ensure the safety of all residents as they continue their assessment.
‘Once again, I would like to thank the residents for their ongoing patience.’
Police told motorists to avoid the area around North Lonsdale Road, which remains closed between Sir John Barrow Way and Steel Street.
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