AN APPRENTICE printer has been remanded in custody over making an explosive device and possessing an explosive substance, making three threats to kill and impersonating a police officer.

Jon Webb, of Kielder Drive, Darlington, appeared before magistrates in Harrogate yesterday, for a bail hearing, two days after Northallerton police station and surrounding buildings were evacuated following a suspicious box being found in the CID room.

Shortly before 9am on Tuesday, the northern end of the High Street, from the Town Hall to All Saints' Church, was closed to shoppers and pedestrians for two hours as a Royal Logistics Corp bomb disposal team examined the box and declared it safe.

North Yorkshire Police had arrested the 25-year-old, who has a partner and helps care for her daughter, at his home on Monday and searched the property.

The impersonating a police officer charge relates to Mr Webb allegedly possessing a high-visibility police uniform.

The explosive substance charge alleges he contravened a 19th Century law by having a shotgun cartridge at his home on Monday, under such circumstances to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it in his possession for a lawful object.

He has also been charged with possessing cannabis.

Mr Webb, who was wearing a dark suit and was watched by his father in the public gallery, stood through the hearing and spoke only to confirm his name.

Magistrate David Uffindall refused Mr Webb bail ahead of a hearing at Teesside Crown Court on September 18.