Residents evacuated as ‘homemade explosive device’ discovered in Lancashire

Three people have been arrested after a “homemade explosive device” was discovered during a police raid on a house in Lancashire.

Nearby homes had to be evacuated after officers found the device in the village of Stubbins, near Ramsbottom, on Wednesday morning.

Three people were detained on suspicion of manufacturing explosive devices and are in custody, Lancashire Constabulary said.

The discovery of what appeared to be a small homemade explosive device inside the property on William Street came as officers carried out a pre-planned warrant, police said.

Lancashire Police Superintendent Stasia Osiowy said in a statement: “We have evacuated a number of properties as a precautionary measure but there is not believed to be any immediate threat.

“We will endeavour to return people to their homes as soon as possible.”

Rest centres have been set up at the Rostron Arms pub at Edenfield and Haslingden Sports Centre on Helmshore Road, Haslingden, for affected residents until the incident is over.

A cordon has been set up around the property – located within Lancashire’s Rossendale Valley – and enquiries are on-going, police added.