A MAN has been arrested after suspected bomb-making equipment was found and homes evacuated in Lancashire.
Cops confirmed that the 59-year-old was arrested under the Explosives Act after "suspicious items" were discovered at an address in Leyland.
The arrest took place at around 6am today as police swarmed to the area.
Witnesses reported seeing armed police in the area, while a local councillor told LancsLive that "what could potentially be bomb-making equipment" had been found.
Councillor Matthew Tomlinson said: "At the moment we're just acting on police advice. They've discovered in a house close to the Civic Centre what could potentially be bomb-making equipment.
"We're keen to support the police in their work. At the moment, everything is all precautionary and nothing is confirmed.
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"No explosions, no injuries, police have just made a discovery."
Emergency services remain at the scene and a large cordon of around 100 meters is in place.
The suspect is being held in custody, according to Lancashire Police.
A spokesperson for the force said: "You may have noticed a police presence in the area close to Broadfield Drive in Leyland so we wanted to let you know what is going on.
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"We executed a warrant at an address on Nursery Close in Leyland at around 6am this morning and at the address we found a number of suspicious items.
"A 59-year-old man from Leyland was arrested at the scene under the Explosives Act, and he remains in custody."
Lancashire MP Katherine Fletecher added: "This is an excellent example of our police working proactively to protect our communities. I thank all officers involved for their work today."
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