THE PRESENCE of bomb disposal unit has left Southampton residents feeling "scared and intimidated".
Bomb disposal experts stood huddled in Bond Road, Southampton.
With a "large police presence" the road was blocked for much of Saturday afternoon.
The explosives specialists arrived at around 5pm - with one officer donning a protective suit and helmet.
Police officers had raided a house in the Bitterne Park area of the city as part of a firearms and drugs sting the night before.
A bomb disposal expert has just walked out of a property in Bond Road, Southampton @dailyecho pic.twitter.com/w6T8JcIvpt
— Tom_DailyEcho (@TDailyecho) June 20, 2020
However, police remained on the scene carrying out investigations on Saturday.
According to police, two homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Bond Road resident Andrea Clench told the Daily Echo at the scene: "The police were walking up and down the street [on Friday] then all of a sudden about eight officers ran up the hill to the house [which was raided].
"They had a dog with them."
The 56-year-old retired nurse added: "It's scary to have a bomb disposal unit in the neighbourhood."
"It's mad. It's intimidating. I am a bit nervous."
One resident who wished to remain unnamed said: "On Friday night there were two police vans, five cars, and an unmarked police car.
"There was a sniffer dog which would not stop barking then my dog would not stop barking.
"It's just not normal. It's a quiet residential area."
Another resident told how at least 14 officers some armed with tasers lined up outside the house which was raided.
A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing firearms and ammunition.
Meanwhile, a 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cocaine, as well as firearms charges.
Both men are from Southampton and remain in police custody.
A police spokesperson said at the time: We would like to inform that we are currently at a home on Bond Road conducting an investigation into firearms and drugs supply.
We remain at the address today (Saturday) carrying out a number of enquiries. As part of the investigation, we have carried out a thorough search of the property.
"This afternoon we have called out the explosive ordinance disposal team to assist us and we have evacuated two properties as a precaution."
Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 101 and quote 44200222943 or approach officers patrolling the area.
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