Bristol Man Arrested After Bomb Factory Find’ — Homes Evacuated in Bomb Squad Operation
A major incident has been declared in South Bristol after a man was arrested over concerns he may have had access to potentially explosive materials inside a residential property.
Emergency services, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, responded after Avon and Somerset Police received reports of suspicious activity at an address on South Liberty Lane shortly before 6pm on Tuesday.
Police Response & Arrest
The man was safely detained at 7:10pm and arrested. The bomb squad arrived just before 7:50pm to assess the scene, where specialist officers remain supporting the operation.
Police said in a statement:
“Concerns were raised with police at about 5.55pm that an individual at a property in South Liberty Lane may have access to potentially explosive items.
The man was arrested and a 100-metre safety cordon was established as a precaution. A major incident has been declared. There are no casualties.”
Homes Evacuated
More than 60 homes on Swiss Road, Risdale Road, and South Liberty Lane were evacuated, affecting between 150 and 250 residents.
Displaced families were directed to Ashton Vale Community Centre, where volunteers and city councillors have been helping residents through the night.
Emergency Services at the Scene
-
Avon & Somerset Police
-
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
-
Avon Fire & Rescue Service
-
London Ambulance Service HART team
A 100m cordon remains in place, with roads closed and emergency teams continuing to search the property and surrounding area.
Community Impact
-
Police are going door-to-door to ensure all properties within the exclusion zone are safely evacuated.
-
Bus and rail services in the area are diverted due to ongoing closures.
-
Residents do not yet know when they can return to their homes.
A local resident told UKNIP:
“We’ve just been told to evacuate and wait. We don’t know much — it’s worrying not knowing what’s going on.”
Official Appeal
Police are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has CCTV footage from the area to come forward.
Contact Avon & Somerset Police on 101 quoting incident reference 010405-22072025.
