Bomb Squad Called After Suspected Explosive Device Found In Barrow Garden
Several homes in Barrow-in-Furness were evacuated after suspected explosive ordnance was discovered in a garden on Walney Island.
Police established a cordon around Red Ley Lane on Saturday, 7 November, after receiving reports of a potentially dangerous object found within a residential property. Officers attended the scene and requested assistance from an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to examine the item and determine whether it posed a danger. The discovery prompted an immediate precautionary response, with nearby residents asked to leave their homes while specialist assessments were carried out.
Cumbria Constabulary confirmed that the EOD team attended the location to assess the suspected ordnance. The police cordon remained in place while specialists examined the object and determined the appropriate response. Officers also managed access to the affected area to ensure residents and members of the public stayed away from the scene during the operation. The precautionary measures were intended to protect people living nearby while the investigation was underway.
A number of properties close to the discovery were temporarily evacuated as a safety precaution. Residents were required to leave their homes while emergency services dealt with the incident, although police stressed that there was no known risk to the wider public. The evacuation was limited to the immediate surrounding area, with officers maintaining the cordon until the specialist assessment had been completed.
The incident took place in the Red Ley Lane area of Walney, which forms part of Barrow-in-Furness. The discovery of suspected ordnance in a residential garden required specialist attention because objects of this nature cannot safely be identified or handled without an appropriate assessment. Police therefore arranged for the EOD team to examine the item before deciding whether further action was necessary.
At approximately 2.45pm on Saturday, police issued an update confirming that the situation had been resolved and the scene declared safe. The cordon was subsequently lifted, allowing affected residents to return to their properties. Officers also thanked members of the public for their patience and cooperation while the emergency response was taking place.
The incident brought a temporary disruption to residents in the immediate area, although the police response was completed without any reported wider threat to the public. The decision to evacuate nearby homes reflected the precautionary approach taken by emergency services when potentially explosive objects are discovered close to residential properties.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams are specially trained to identify, assess and deal with suspected explosive materials. Their work can involve examining objects to establish whether they are dangerous and determining whether they can be safely removed or require specialist disposal. Members of the public are advised not to touch or move suspicious objects and should instead contact the emergency services.
Cumbria Constabulary has confirmed that the cordon has been removed and the incident is resolved. Residents have been able to return to their homes, bringing the emergency response in the Red Ley Lane area to an end. No further disruption or ongoing danger to the wider public was identified in the police update.
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