Residents return after hoard of explosives cleared

Hundreds of people who were evacuated from their homes have been allowed to return after a four-day bomb disposal operation to clear a home filled with more than 70 explosive devices, firearms and booby traps.

Residents of Chadwick Road in St Helens were told to leave on Tuesday after a hoard of explosives was discovered at the home after the property owner's death.

Merseyside Police said more than 70 improvised explosive devices, fireworks and pyrotechnics, conventional munitions along with 35 weapons including crossbows and firearms were discovered.

A spokesman said the number of devices found showed why the cordon was needed as "public safety was paramount".

Residents have been contacted to let them know they can finally return home after the disposal of the explosives.

Police said they had lifted a cordon in the area following a "methodical and extensive search" of the house and garden.

The force said the "reclusive" 64-year-old's property was packed with wartime memorabilia, including devices and detonators which officers feared could explode.

A number of these were safely detonated in the nearby Eccleston Field, with the property now cleared of "anything of concern", a police spokeswoman said.

Supt Matthew Moscrop said the incident had demonstrated the "strength of community spirit" in the area as residents were forced to stay with family and friends during the four-day search.

He said: "While this has been an incredibly tough week for everyone, I hope we will be able to reflect on the way so many people stepped up to the plate to support those in need when it mattered most."

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