Two arrested as 'small explosive devices' made safe

A man and a woman have been arrested after three "small homemade explosive devices" were discovered and "safely dealt with" at a property in Essex.

Police forced entry to a home on Sawyers Grove, Brentwood, at about 07:20 GMT, following reports of a disturbance.

The discovery of the suspicious items led to bomb disposal experts being called and a 100m (328ft) cordon being put in place, with 40 properties evacuated.

Essex Police said the arrested pair, in their 40s and from Brentwood, remained in custody for questioning on suspicion of offences under the Explosive Substances Act.

A number of wraps of suspected crack cocaine were also recovered during a search of the property, police added.

The cordon has since been lifted, and an investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing.

Police and Brentwood Borough Council established a rendezvous point for affected residents at the King George playing fields pavilion, while officers carried out their work.

Resident Michael Page, 84, said he was told to leave his home at about 11:30.

He said: "I got a rap on the door to say you've got to get out. They wouldn't tell me anything."

Vaughn Waites, 57, told the BBC he was out shopping with his wife and dog, but "came back and they wouldn't let us on to the estate".

Ch Insp Terry Fisher thanked people for their patience and understanding.

"We fully appreciate the disruption this incident has caused to residents, particularly those who had to leave their homes at short notice," he said.

"The cordon and evacuations were necessary precautions to ensure people's safety while specialist colleagues assessed the items and a thorough search of the address was carried out."

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