Bomb squad called to Bitterne Park Triangle in Southampton

A man has been arrested in connection with the incident, after explosive material was found at the scene.

The unit, along with several police cars, was called to Cotton's Bakers in Manor Farm Road, Bitterne Park, on the Triangle at lunchtime today.

A police spokesperson said the incident is isolated and involved no risk to the public.

A 28-year-old Southampton man was arrested on suspicion of making an explosive substance, after officers discovered some material which was thought to be explosive when they searched for a suspect in an outbuilding at Bitterne Park Triangle at about 11.30pm last night.

The 28-year-old remains in custody at Southampton Central police station.

Police were said to have arrived at the scene at around 11pm last night and have been there ever since.

The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Team arrived around lunchtime today, and currently two men, dressed in camouflaged clothing are sat in the front of the bomb disposal van.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous said that she saw an officer dressed in a white forensic suit come from the back of the bakery earlier today.

Gary Wright, who owns Garson's Quality Meats, was shocked to hear that explosive material had been found in the garden behind his shop.

He said: "The police have not told me anything so it is frightening to hear that it is something to do with explosives.

"When I turned up for work this morning I came round the corner and saw the police cars and just feared that my front window had been smashed in.

"We've never had the bomb squad down this way so I was shocked to see the van turn up."

Jacqui McBride, owner of Hair @20, said: "We have been a little bit nervous but the longer it has been out there the less concerned we have been because if there is anything to worry about we would have been evacuated.

"It would have been nice for the police to have come over and reassured us but they haven't told us anything all day.