A significant emergency response unfolded in Blackpool on Wednesday after police discovered potentially explosive materials inside a terraced house, leading to the arrest of a teenage boy.
Major Incident on Gloucester Avenue
Officers attended an address on Gloucester Avenue at approximately 11.30am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. During their enquiries, they located what was described as ‘a quantity of items of concern’ with the potential to be explosive. The discovery triggered an immediate and large-scale response from Lancashire Police and partner emergency services.
As a precaution, neighbours were evacuated from their homes to ensure public safety. Specialist officers from the bomb disposal unit were swiftly deployed to the scene to assess the materials and make the property safe.
Arrest Under the Explosives Act
Police confirmed that a 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. He remains in custody for questioning as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
Chief Inspector Martin Wyatt, who is overseeing the operation, addressed the local community. He stated: ‘We have a significant policing and emergency services presence in the area, and we are asking people to avoid the area where they can.’
Ongoing Disruption and Community Reassurance
The police response was expected to continue into New Year’s Eve, causing considerable disruption for local residents. Ch Insp Wyatt acknowledged the impact, saying: ‘It is expected the response may last into this evening and I want to thank residents who have been affected for their support and co-operation while we go about our work.’
He sought to reassure the concerned community, adding: ‘We appreciate that this will be disruptive and concerning for the local community, but we want to reassure all residents we are working extremely hard with all our partners to make the address safe and bring this matter to as swift a conclusion as we can.’
The incident caused a major cordon to be established around the property on Gloucester Avenue, with police and emergency service vehicles dominating the usually quiet residential street.
