Residents evacuated after crime unit finds 'unexploded bombs' during property search
Residents were told to leave their homes and urged to stay away after a crime unit discovered unexploded bombs during a property search.
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Locals in Olivers Mill in Morpeth, Northumberland, were hurried out of their homes after officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) found the devices this morning.
A cordon was set up and an explosive ordinance disposal team was sent out to the building - a former flour mill converted into apartments.
"A small number of properties in the area have been evacuated as a precaution," a spokesperson from the crime unit said.
Deputy leader of Northumberland County Council Richard Wearmouth said locals grew concerned about a "very prominent, very noticeable" police presence in the area.
"We've had a lot of people ask us what's going on," he said.
Read more: Shoppers evacuated as fire breaks out at Westfield Stratford
He added: "We offered Morpeth Sports and Leisure Centre as a place for them to decamp to, although I understand the cordon has now been lifted.
"But we look forward to the police being a little more clear about what's gone on."
One worried local told Chronicle Live they simply received a knock on the door at 9.45am and, without explanation, were told they needed to leave their homes.
Another said: “They had one of those track robot things, but I didn’t see it go anywhere. I came out and asked if I should be worried.”
He added: “They [police] have been here all day. And I’ve just noticed people [forensics] going in with gloves on. But I’ve no idea what has gone on.”
Locals have since been allowed to return home after the crime unit safely disposed of the bombs.
A spokesperson for the NEROCU confirmed: "Residents are back in their homes, cordon has been stood down and devices safely taken away by Explosive Ordinance Disposal."