A MAN has been arrested after threatening to blow up a house.
The incident happened at Myrtle Street, Ashington, Northumberland. Police and fire crews were called to the scene at 5.10pm this evening.
"Northumbria Police and the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and a number of neighbouring properties were evacuated as the man had indicated that he had turned on the gas and had threatened to ignite it," a police spokesman said.
"Approximately 40 households were evacuated and Hirst Park Middle School in Ashington was opened for their use.
"Police arranged for electricity and gas to the address to be disconnected and officers entered the property and brought the man out safely at 9.21pm."
A 32-year-old man has been detained.
Residents who were evacuated will be allowed back to their homes shortly.
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