Police have declared it ‘a major incident’Tristan Cork Chief Reporter and Oliver Astley Content editor
22:23, 22 Jul 2025
Emergency services in South Liberty Lane
Scores of people have been evacuated and are facing the prospect of spending a night with friends, relatives or at the Ashton Vale Community Centre amid fears that highly explosive materials are present at a house in Bristol.
Explosives experts from the Bomb Squad were called following concerns centred on a home in South Liberty Lane, in Ashton Vale.
It is estimated that around 200 people have had to leave their homes in Risdale Road, Swiss Road and Swiss Drive and, at the time of writing, it is unclear when they will be able to return.
Avon and Somerset Police said: “An arrest has been made following reports of a man acting suspiciously at an address in south Bristol.
“Concerns were raised with police at about 5.55pm that an individual at a property in South Liberty Lane may have access to potentially explosive items.
“The road was closed to allow police, fire and ambulance crews to attend, and remains shut at this time.
“The man was safely detained by officers and arrested at 7.10pm.
“The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit arrived at the scene at about 7.50pm to check the property is safe.
“That work at the scene is ongoing and specialist officers are supporting EOD.
“A major incident has been declared due to the number of emergency services at the scene. There are no casualties.
“Public safety is our main priority and therefore a precautionary 100m cordon has been put in place.
“There are 63 properties in South Liberty Lane, Risdale Road and Swiss Lane within that area.
“Ashton Vale Community Centre, in Risdale Road, is open to support those residents, if required.
“We are grateful for the public’s patience and understanding while we respond to this incident and would please ask the public to avoid the area at this time.”
During the evacuation of Risdale Road, one resident was witnessed refusing to leave their home.
As night fell, the mood at the community centre became more anxious.
Such was the rush to evacuate properties, dinners were left uneaten and pets were left unfed and alone.
Local city councillor Ellie Freeman was at the community centre trying to keep people informed as to what was happening.
BristolLive understands that fire crews and police officers were not able to get access to the property at the centre of the emergency until explosives experts had completed their investigation.
Avon and Somerset Police, the Bomb Squad, Avon and Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service remain at the scene.