Explosives found at home of wartime collector

Several streets were evacuated after explosives were found at the house of a man who died after amassing a collection of wartime memorabilia, including devices and detonators.

The "explosive ordnance" was found at the house in Chadwick Street, St Helens, after the death of John Nelson, 64, on Tuesday, Merseyside Police said.

Mr Nelson lived alone and had kept a range of wartime items, which may have belonged to his father who was a member of the Home Guard, as well as devices and detonators, the force said.

More than 200 homes on Chadwick Road and surrounding streets were evacuated, with residents told they will not be able to return home.

Police have said those affected can go back to their homes briefly this afternoon to collect medicines and a change of clothes, while alternative accommodation has been made available at Chain Lane Community Centre.

A bomb disposal team has carried out a series of safe detonations in nearby Eccleston Field, and were continuing to work through the home to ensure it was safe.

The death of Mr Nelson, who police said lived alone and was "believed to have led quite a reclusive lifestyle", was not being treated as suspicious.

Police said the address "presented a challenge" as all the rooms in the house contained a "considerable number" of belongings that Mr Nelson had collected over the years.

They said the search would therefore "take some time".

Officers have been unable to identify any immediate relatives of Mr Nelson and were appealing for extended family to contact them.

Drivers and pedestrians were advised to avoid the road while emergency services dealt with the incident.

Ch Insp Chris Barnes said: "We realise this will be a really frustrating time for those who have been displaced from their homes and would like to reassure them that we will work our way through the house, with specialists, as quickly as we can, but public safety is our ultimate priority.

"Residents have been incredibly understanding and patient throughout and I know the community, families and friends have pulled together to minimise the impact this incident has on all those affected.

"St Helens Borough Council continues to provide assistance based at Chain Lane Community Centre."

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