An update has been issued on the bomb search
Army Bomb Disposal on Chadwick Road(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Families have been told they will not be able to return home for another night as the bomb squad continues to search the house of a gardener who died earlier this week. Merseyside Police announced officers were called to the death of 64-year-old John Nelson on Chadwick Road in St Helens on Monday before officers discovered several ordnance devices in the property on Tuesday, June 24.
As a result, dozens of homes were evacuated on Chadwick Road, Litherland Crescent, Roland Avenue, Finchley Drive and Woodlands Road in St Helens as a precaution. The majority of those evacuated have managed to find their own temporary accommodation with family and friends, and the local authority has been able to provide alternative accommodation for 15 families.
Mark Kendrick was at home with his daughter on Chadwick Road when she came down to tell him the cordon was in place. He told the ECHO: “He lived alone with his dog. He was a part-time gardener and was always out walking his dog.
“I believe police were called over his death and when they were searching the house they found some explosive devices. I used to speak to him about history and he had a fascination with World War I.”
In a statement from police, a spokesperson said Mr Nelson lived a “reclusive lifestyle” and kept wartime memorabilia and devices in house. This is thought to be connected to his father being in the Home Guard. He was also found to have been in possession of detonators and other items.
The bomb squad is continuing to work through the rooms of the house but is said to be taking some time due to the volume of items stored.
The police cordon will remain in place for another night(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
In an update from St Helens Borough Council, a spokesperson said the cordon will remain in place, with residents advised to seek overnight accommodation. Those who are unable to find accommodation or need support are asked to attend Chain Lane Community Centre.
Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Council said; “We understand this has been a very disrupting and frustrating situation for those who have been displaced from their homes. Emergency services together with Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists are at the scene and are working to make the property safe.
“I would like to thank all those community members and groups, especially Chain Lane Community Centre, who have come together to support the residents who have been affected, by providing refreshments and a place to rest.
“I would also like to thank those residents who have been displaced for their ongoing understanding and patience while we deal with this incident.
“The council and partners are continuing to provide assistance based at Chain Lane Community Centre. Any displaced residents who need support can attend the centre where council officers will help them find overnight accommodation at a rest centre, get refreshments and provide any further support.”
The ECHO understands people are yet to be told when they can return to their properties after being evacuated at around 2.30pm yesterday, with a brief window being offered last night for people to go back and collect pets and clothing.
Officers at the cordon told residents forced to leave their homes to monitor the force’s social media pages for more information on the cordon being lifted.
A police spokesperson said on Wednesday afternoon: “Vulnerable residents with medical needs, who need emergency access to medication or medical equipment, are being helped and supported.
“Anyone else who has been evacuated and has any queries or concerns is asked to attend Chain Lane Community Centre where representatives of the Local Authority and police personnel will be on hand to assist.”
Residents will not be able to return to their homes until at least Thursday(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Chief Inspector Chris Barnes said: “We realise this will be a really frustrating time for those who have been displaced from their homes and would like to reassure them that we will work our way through the house, with EOD specialists, as quickly as we can, but public safety is our ultimate priority and we have to make sure the search is done properly.
“Residents have been incredibly understanding and patient throughout and I know the community, families and friends have pulled together to minimise the impact this incident has on all those affected.
“St Helens Borough Council continues to provide assistance based at Chain Lane Community Centre, supported by our PCSOs and I would encourage anyone with concerns to visit the centre where help will be at hand.”
Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the road while emergency services remain at the scene.