A large cordon was put in place
Nelson Street at the junction of Wellington Road in Wavertree(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
People were evacuated from their homes after a suspected bomb was found in Wavertree. Emergency services were called to Nelson Street at the junction of Wellington Road at around 6.30pm on Wednesday, May 6, following reports a mortar shell had been found outside an address.
A force incident manager for Merseyside Police said officers were initially called to reports of a group of youths setting fire to something in a garden at around 6.15pm. However, when crews arrived, no fire was found and further reports suggested the presence of unexploded ordnance.
A large cordon was put in place as a precaution, with people living nearby asked to leave their homes while the situation was dealt with. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene to assist police, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was also deployed.
Witnesses described a significant emergency response, with social media footage showing a cordon in place behind flats on nearby Nelson Street.
Nelson Street, Wavertree (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
One resident told the ECHO they saw officers “take several steps back” after looking inside a bin where the object was believed to have been found. Firefighters were also seen using equipment at the scene as a precaution.
The bomb disposal unit later assessed the item and confirmed it was safe, and the incident was subsequently stood down. Residents who had been evacuated have since been allowed to return to their homes.
In a statement, Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that emergency services were in Wavertree this evening (Wednesday 6 May) following the discovery of a suspicious object.
“Just after 6.30pm it was reported that a mortar shell had been found outside an address on Wellington Road.
“The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team have assessed the object and the incident has been stood down.
Nelson Street in Wavertree(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
“Residents who were evacuated from the area as a precaution are returning to their homes.
“Thank you for your patience during this incident.”
For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/news
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.
Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here.
Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews – the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account – real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.