Major incident ongoing in Ulverston after suspicious item discovered

A number of nearby homes have been evacuated.

Author: Matt MaddrenPublished 7th Dec 2023
Last updated 7th Dec 2023

A major incident is ongoing in Ulverston in Cumbria, following the discovery of a suspicious item.

Cumbria Police discovered the item on Wednesday afternoon following concerns for the welfare of an individual in Steel Street.

A 46-year-old man was arrested and held in custody overnight.

53 homes in the surrounding area were evacuated.

A 100m cordon was put in place and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to assess a "potential electrical issue".

The road is closed between Sir John Barrow Way and Steel Street and motorists are being asked to avoid this area where possible.

At 5am on Thursday, police also closed off North Lonsdale Road due to the ongoing incident.

Chief Superintendent Mick Bird, of Cumbria Constabulary, said:

"A major incident has been declared to coordinate the activity of numerous agencies in providing a comprehensive response to support residents who have been evacuated from their homes.

"An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is ongoing with their assessment, which may last a number of hours.

"The priority of this response is to ensure the safety of all residents. As soon as it is deemed safe to do so, residents will be allowed to return to their homes.

“I fully appreciate that this been a long night for those who have been evacuated from their homes as a necessary safety precaution.

"The EOD are working to ensure the safety of all residents as they continue their assessment."

"I would like to thank once again those impacted by this evacuation for their continued patience."

Westmorland & Furness Council has opened a reception centre at Ulverston Leisure Centre for those who have been evacuated and require accommodation.

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