Families have been evacuated from their homes in Hampshire after a man was arrested on suspicion of explosives offences.

Counter-terror police have held a man, 25, on suspicion of making or possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances under the Explosives Act 1883.

He was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate and on suspicion of possessing class A drugs in Basingstoke on Wednesday.

Dozens of police officers and a bomb disposal unit were seen in the area on Wednesday.

One property on Penny Black Lane is still being searched today as officers assure locals there is no wider threat.

One neighbour named Allison described the turn of events as ‘really worrying’.

She told The Basingstoke Gazette: ‘CID have been there since 11 o’clock this morning. I was walking the dog and they had their vests on and I thought that was a bit odd.

‘I thought it was a drugs raid or something. I came back out and there was bomb disposal there.

‘I have got a great view so I have been looking through the window.’

Chief Inspector Matthew Reeves, district commander for Basingstoke and Deane, said he understood it was ‘a worry time in the local community’ – but added that ‘incidents of this nature are relatively rare’.

He continued: ‘You may notice an increased police presence, please don’t be alarmed, officers are involved in the investigation and are there to assist and support. Please approach these officers if you have any concerns or questions.

‘This is an active investigation so please refrain from speculation, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support so far with this investigation.’

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