DOZENS of residents returned to their homes after a safety cordon was lifted following the arrest of a teenager suspected of having explosives.
The all-clear was given shortly after at 7am today (Tuesday November 4), almost 20 hours after police received a report of concern for a resident at an address in Hamilton Place, Newcastle, not far from St James’ Park football stadium.
An 18-year-old white male was arrested at the address on suspicion of being in possession of explosives with intent to endanger life.
He remained in custody today, assisting police inquiries.
Following the arrest, Superintendent Bruce Storey, of Northumbria Police’s Newcastle command area, said: “We don’t know this man’s motivation, but we do believe he intended to harm people.
“We are in the early stages of establishing his lifestyle to gather a picture of what his motives may have been.”
As a precaution, around 50 people were evacuated from nearby properties to a safety welfare centre co-ordinated by Newcastle City Council.
Temporary provision was also made available at Westgate Community College.
Police later confirmed that suspicious items were discovered at the address and inquiries are continuing to establish exactly what substances they contained.
Local people were thanked for their co-operation following the disruption caused by the investigation.
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