Pair arrested after 'explosive devices' found in South Shields

Officers descended on St Adian’s Road in South Shields on Sunday (June 27) afternoon following reports of an explosion.

A cordon was erected, and residents evacuated from their homes by officers as bomb disposal teams were seen at the scene. Police attended an address and located a number of suspicious items believed to have been improvised explosive devices.

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A man and a woman, aged 27 and 22, were immediately arrested and remain in police custody at this time.

Police units at the scene. (Image: UK EMERGENCY RESPONSES)

EOD officers at the scene. (Image: CHRIS BATCHELOR/FB)

Bomb disposal experts carried out enquiries into the devices while the cordon was in place as eyewitnesses reported seeing eight police vehicles in the area.

Police have today said there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public.

One resident who was evacuated from their home on Sunday told the Echo: “A police officer knocked on our door at 5.30pm and told us to leave because we might be in danger, but couldn't give us any more information.

“As we left they were knocking on doors all down the street.”

The cordon was lifted at around 8pm.

A cordon was in place for several hours. (Image: RAY SPENCER)

An investigation is now underway.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday), officers were called to an address on St Aidan’s Road, South Shields, following a report of an explosion.

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“Officers attended the address and located a number of suspicious items inside that were believed to have been improvised explosive devices.

“A man and a woman, aged 27 and 22, were immediately placed under arrest and remain in police custody at this time.

“As a safety precaution, as bomb disposal experts carried out enquiries into the devices, a cordon was placed around the premises and a number of nearby residents were evacuated.

“There is not believed to be any wider threat to the public and an investigation ongoing.”