Police evacuated residents of a Somerset village after discovering explosive materials at a private residence, officials said. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Worle, near Weston-super-Mare, prompting a large-scale response from law enforcement and bomb disposal teams.

Authorities established a 100-yard exclusion zone around the property while officers conducted a thorough investigation. About 153 households were affected by the evacuation, with residents relocated to a temporary refuge center for the duration of the operation. The majority returned home on Thursday morning after police declared the area safe.

A man in his 70s was initially taken into custody on suspicion of fraud but was subsequently rearrested on suspicion of possessing explosive substances with intent to use them unlawfully. Alongside the explosives, officers also seized an air rifle, a firearm, and various drugs from the premises.

Superintendent Jen Appleford of Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the recovery and safe removal of the materials. She indicated that the suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue. No further details regarding motivation or potential threats were disclosed as inquiries are ongoing.