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153 Weston-super-Mare homes evacuated over suspicious substances

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 10:09 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Avon and Somerset Police evacuated 153 Weston-super-Mare properties after finding suspicious substances.
A 70-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation at the Becket Road property.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers arrived at 7:30 pm and established a 100-metre cordon.
The officers tested and destroyed the suspicious items recovered during the investigation.
Castle Batch Children’s Centre opened as a refuge centre for displaced residents.

History

Historical Context

On 15 June 1996 the Provisional IRA detonated a 3,300-pound lorry bomb on Manchester’s Corporation Street, the largest bomb in Britain since World II, prompting the evacuation of about 75,000 people and injuring over 200. The attack came weeks after the IRA ended its 17-month ceasefire and was condemned by Prime Minister John Major amid Euro ‘96 football matches.

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Story summary

Avon and Somerset Police evacuated 153 Weston-super-Mare properties after finding suspicious substances.
A 70-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation at the Becket Road property.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers arrived at 7:30 pm and established a 100-metre cordon.
The officers tested and destroyed the suspicious items recovered during the investigation.
Castle Batch Children’s Centre opened as a refuge centre for displaced residents.

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