The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Sealed off: The house in South Parade on Thursday morning. Photo: VNG240714-35
UPDATE: Friday 9.30am. Police have made an arrest after a bomb scare in Spalding on Wednesday night.
Detective Inspector Dave Rimmer said: “Following the incident on South Parade in Spalding, police have arrested a 28 year old man in connection with burglary and bomb hoax offences.
He was interviewed at Boston Police Station during Thursday, July 24 and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Following the investigation police can confirm that the device found at the address was not viable and was of no risk to the community.
In such cases, the Police have to be absolutely sure that there is no threat from these devices and public safety is always put first, which is why members of the public were initially evacuated from their premises.”
Thursday 10am. Dozens of people were evacuated from their Spalding homes after police were called to a suspected bomb in what is believed to be a former squat.
Officers were called to a suspicious incident in an unoccupied house in South Parade at around 5.30pm yesterday (Wednesday), where they discovered what was believed to be an explosive device.
As a safety precaution nearby residents were evacuated. The object was examined by bomb disposal experts and eventually found to be safe.
Havelock Street resident Diane Willson (66) was just going to bed at 11.45pm when police knocked at her door.
She said: “They said could I evacuate the house because there was an incident nearby.
“I went to my friend’s house in Green Lane and had to knock to wake her.
“I went back every couple of hours to see if I could get into my house. Then at 5.30am the police said they would be another few minutes but if I wanted to get back in there they would escort me.”
Spalding Community Policing Inspector Jim Tyner said: “It was necessary to evacuate nearby residents while enquiries were carried out and the cordon was lifted by 7am.
“I would like to thank residents for their patience during this police operation.”
Police enquiries regarding the initial incident are continuing.
