Grimethorpe incident 'not terrorism-related' following arrests and discovery of 'suspicious items'

Police have confirmed that the discovery of "suspicious items" which sparked the evacuation of around 130 houses is not terrorism-related.

Almost all residents who were evacuated have been allowed back into their homes, while the cordon surrounding a property on Brierley Road in Grimethorpe, Barnsley, has now been reduced to include just three houses.

A police presence will remain in the area overnight.

An Army bomb disposal team was called after South Yorkshire Police executed a warrant an the property on Wednesday morning.

A 57-old woman and 58-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Firearms Act and remain in police custody.

The woman was further arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Asst Ch Con David Hartley said: "We are now in a position to confirm that this is a non-terrorism related incident.

"I would like to again express my gratitude and thanks to the local residents for their continued understanding and support. This would have been a distressing and disruptive incident for everyone affected.

"We want to reassure the community that your safety is, and always will be, our priority. Our officers still remain at the cordon, and if you have any concerns please do stop and talk to them."

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