POLICE have given an update on their investigation into the incident in Kidderminster, which left residents unable to stay in their homes at the weekend.

Officers continue to search a house in Stourport Road after suspicious items were discovered there on Saturday (June 29).

The discovery occurred as officers attended the property in response to a report about dangerous dogs.

A cordon has been in place at the property since Saturday following the discovery of what police have described as "substances that it is suspected could be used in the production of explosives".

With help from experts from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), police officers have carried out painstaking searches throughout the weekend - West Mercia Police said this afternoon (Monday July 1).

A spokesperson for the force said: "EOD finished their searches last night and the 100m cordon that was in place for much of the weekend was removed at around 10pm, meaning all residents could return home. 

"Officers remain on scene today conducting further searches of the property.

"Officers initially attended the property on Saturday afternoon following a report of dangerous dogs, and once inside discovered the suspicious items." 

A 51-year-old man arrested on Saturday afternoon in connection with several offences, including explosives offences, and remains in police custody.

Superintendent Melanie Paley, local policing lead for north Worcestershire, said of the incident: “I’d like to thank the local community for their patience over the weekend and into today as our searches continue. I don’t underestimate how unsettling and inconvenient it was for you to be out of your home for most of the weekend.

“The safety of the public is absolutely paramount and it was important that these specialist searches were carried out meticulously and they could not be rushed.

“I know the news that items linked to suspected explosive substances being found in this residential area will be alarming. We’re keeping an open mind on how and why the substances came to be there and a thorough investigation is already underway.

“I would ask people not to jump to conclusions about the incident as speculation and rumour will hamper and slow down our investigation.

“Officers will continue to be in the area in the coming days and I’d urge anyone with any concerns to have a chat with them.”