Roads reopen around Southsea after major police presence and bomb disposal unit were on the scene
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Road closures were in place around the Grove Road North, Elm Grove, Cottage Grove and St Andrew’s Road area, with a number of businesses sharing on social media that they have been asked by the police to close early, as well as eyewitnesses saying they saw a bomb disposal team on site.
Police have confirmed a suspect package was reported but that it was later confirmed to ‘pose no threat’. A man has been arrested.
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Hide AdEyewitnesses have said some of the cordons are now beginning to be lifted - though others still remain in place.
Residents and businesses in the area took to social media to share images and video - as well as news of the closures.
They include the restaurant Huis which has said: “We have just been ordered to close by police this evening due to reports of explosives found in the area. Stay safe!”
Fistful of Dice has also said: “ The Police have asked us to close early due to an ongoing Incident on Elm Grove.”
Residents also contacted The News to say they were told to stay indoors.
For the latest, including the police statement and details of the arrest, see the blog below.
Ongoing incident in Southsea
Key Events
- Police confirm they were called to a suspect package
- Bomb disposal unit was called but confirmed it posed no threat
- Businesses were asked to close early and residents were ordered to stay indoors
- Teenager has been arrested
A man has been arrested following the incident
Updated police statement:
We were called to an address at Grove Road North in Southsea at 6:50pm on Wednesday 8 January following the discovery of a number of items of concern in a building including a machete and suspected Class A drugs.
A temporary evacuation of surrounding residents and businesses was undertaken while specialist officers assessed suspected explosive items located, however it was quickly established that these posed no threat.
A 19 year-old man from Southsea was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. He remains in custody at this time.
Police statement
Here is a statement from Hampshire Police:
You may have noticed some police activity in Southsea this evening and we want to reassure you that there is nothing to be concerned of.
Some residents and businesses were temporarily evacuated after some suspected explosive items were found at an address in Grove Road North, but it has now been confirmed that these items do not pose any threat.
We want to thank our community for their patience while we worked to confirm the safety of our residents.
More pictures from the scene
