Boy, 16, arrested after explosive material found at Blackpool address

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after explosive material was found at an address in Blackpool.Lancashire-constabulary" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="5334" data-entity-type="organization">Lancashire Constabulary said a number of properties had been evacuated as a precaution after officers found “a quantity of items of concern” at about 11.30am on Wednesday.A force spokesperson said the boy had been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after the items were found at the property on Gloucester Avenue.Bomb disposal specialists attended the scene to assess the items and officers were being supported by Lancashire fire and rescue service and the north-west ambulance service, police said.Footage from the scene showed a significant police presence around Gloucester Avenue, about a mile from Blackpool promenade.Ch Insp Martin Wyatt said the emergency response was expected to continue into the evening of New Year’s Eve.He added: “We have a significant policing and emergency services presence in the area and we are asking people to avoid the area where they can.“It is expected the response may last into this evening and I want to thank residents who have been affected for their support and cooperation while we go about our work.“We appreciate that this will be disruptive and concerning for the local community, but we want to reassure all residents we are working extremely hard with all our partners to make the address safe and bring this matter to as swift a conclusion as we can.”