Southsea street reopens after several hour lockdown due to ‘suspicious’ fireworks package found

A street in Southsea was cordoned off for several hours with a large emergency service response for most of today, after reports of a ‘suspicious package’.

Police have issued a statement with more detail. At 9.15am this morning, Thursday 14th December 2017, workmen found what was described as a suspicious package in an empty house in Hywelfa, Southsea near Wrexham. Emergency Services were quickly on the scene and secured the property and initially evacuated the adjoining houses whilst they examined the package.

Further expertise in the form of EOD (Explosives Ordinance Disposal) and Fire Service specialists attended the scene and made safe the package which turned out to be harmless compenent parts of fireworks which will be disposed of by the local authority.

Chief Inspector Mark Williams at North Wales Police who managed the multi-agency response said. ‘The incident was reported to Police in very good faith and the response of all our emergency service partners and EOD was reassuringly prompt and professional and I’d like to pass on my sincere thanks to all those involved.

“I’d also like to extend our thanks to the local community for their patience and understanding whilst events unfolded and I’m happy to report the area will be returned to normality as soon as possible”

Original updates below…

3:52pm “Incident has has been resolved safely” expecting more details shortly…

3:45pm Emergency services remain at the scene late this afternoon with apparent investigation work ongoing. Thanks to Shaun for the top picture.

2:24pm Official update from police, “Emergency Services still at scene awaiting further specialists. No danger to members of public but still asking public to remain clear at this time. Thanks for understanding.”

2pm We have been told workmen at the empty property discovered two containers containing substances they were unsure of, and thus the call to the emergency services just after 10am. This information has not been officially verified.

Update 1pm: Police have updated to say “Further update from Hywelfa, Police cordon still in place whilst scene is managed. Focus remains on safe conclusion, please keep away at this time. Thanks for cooperation and understanding.”

Roads are taped off in the area, several fire engines are attending and what appears to be council vehicles helping with the lock down of the area.

Update 12:24pm: Police say “Further specialists attending scene from EOD and Fire Service. Key focus for us all is everyone’s safety. Thanks for your patience.”

Original information below…
North Wales Police have said “North Wales Police & Emergency Services attending report of suspicious package found in empty house in Hywelfa, Southsea near Wrexham.

“Please avoid area to allow Emergency Services free access.”

The Royal Logistic Corps are attending, also known as the ‘bomb squad’, along with the police and fire service.

More shortly.