BOMB DISPOSAL RUSH TO NEWPORT HOME AFTER CONCERNING FIND BY POLICE

Royal Navy Bomb Disposal experts have rushed to the centre of Newport this evening (Thursday) where Police are conducting a search of a residential address. Under the leadership of a Police Search Advisor, officers from the High Harms Team are searching through a property on Prospect Road – opposite the fire station. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Portsmouth travelled across to the Island on the 16:00 ferry from Portsmouth in response to a request for assistance from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. Island Echo understands Police conducted a raid on the address and located items of serious concern, which has prompted a wider emergency response. A vehicle often associated with the identification and handling of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has been mobilised to the scene by the Royal Navy, indicating the severity of the find. It was last on the Island earlier this year when an aerosol can rigged with a firelighter was located at the burnt out Parkbury Hotel. No cordons are in place and all roads and footways in the area remain open as usual. UPDATE FRIDAY – Police have confirmed that suspected explosive material was seized from the property and a male in his 20s has been detained under the Mental Health Act. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/male-sectioned-after-suspected-explosive-material-seized-from-newport-home/.