Homes evacuated amid chemical fear

Residents were evacuated from their homes by police who found a "suspicious item" while looking for chemicals.

Cumbria Police said officers made the find while searching a property on Burn Street in Longtown, near Carlisle.

The force said it then called an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to assess and deal with the item.

Longtown Community Centre on Arthuret Road is being used as a reception centre while a 50m cordon remains in place around the site in Burn Street.

Det Supt Dan St Quintin said the original search was ordered based on information received, while the evacuation was a precaution and he did not believe there was a wider risk to the public.

He added: "We thank those impacted by the evacuation for their ongoing patience.

"As soon as it is deemed safe to do so, they will be allowed to return to their homes."

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