A man has been arrested by police after a suspicious item found on the side of a Darlington road had to be destroyed by police.
Police received reports of a suspicious item located in the Neasham Road area of Darlington at around 3:50pm on Tuesday, October 24.
Residents at the scene reported hearing an "explosion" after they were evacuated from their homes.
The surrounding area was cordoned off while Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists examined the item. The item was confirmed not to pose a threat and was safely destroyed.
Following the response, officers were searching for a man in connection with the incident.
Police how now confirmed this evening that a man has since been arrested on suspicion of placing an article with intent to cause a bomb hoax.
A statement released by Darlington Police reads: "Officers investigating a suspicious item found in Darlington yesterday (Tuesday, October 24) have arrested a man in connection with the incident.
"The item was located in the Neasham Road area, and a police cordon was in place for several hours.
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"Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists destroyed the item as a precaution before examining it and confirming it to pose no threat.
"A man in his 20s was arrested at 4pm today on suspicion of placing an article with intent to cause a bomb hoax.
"He remains in custody while further enquiries are carried out."
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