Man arrested and dozens evacuated after 'suspicious items' seized from house

South Yorkshire Police said they had executed a warrant at a property on Coronation Avenue, Grimethorpe, at around 12.11pm today.

The Army's Explosive Ordinance Disposal team had been called to the scene and around 50 homes have been evacuated.

A 100m cordon is in place and the street, as well as the nearby Queens Road, remains closed.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said they had first become aware of police in the area at around 2.30pm.

They said: "My son was coming up the street in the car and there were about four unmarked cars behind full of armed police.

"The police have closed the street off. There's about 18 or 20 bobbies there.

"They told us to keep our doors and windows shut at first, but they came back around. We've been evacuated [to a nearby school].

"It's worrying, I've got dogs at home and I couldn't fetch them with me. There's police everywhere and ambulances and three fire engines waiting to go in if anything happens."

Barnsley Council has arranged an evacuation centre for those affected, and social distancing will be facilitated, South Yorkshire Police said.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Members of the public are urged to stay away from the scene to keep the area clear for the police and our emergency services colleagues to carry out our work.

"Further updates will be issued when available."