Eighty homes in Warmley were evacuated after the bomb squad were called to deal with a suspicious device found in a shed in Kennmoor Close.
Tonight detectives investigating yesterday’s discovery of the suspected explosive device released a suspect on bail while further inquiries are completed.
An Avon & Somerset police spokesman said: “Yesterday we attended Kennmoor Close following the discovery of some suspicious items in the shed of a property. The Army attended and detonated one device at a safe location nearby while several other items have been taken away for further examination. It is too early to say conclusively what they were or the danger they posed.
“We immediately launched an investigation and as a result of those inquires this afternoon we arrested a man in Somerset for suspected offences under the Explosives Substances Act. He was taken to a police station, interviewed and has now been released on bail.”
Detective Chief Inspector Carolyn Belafonte, who has been leading the investigation, said: “I would like to stress that we are not treating this as terrorism. At this stage we do not believe the objects were made with the deliberate intention of causing harm to anyone or anything.
“However, these objects could have a posed a danger to the local community and I am pleased they have been found and made safe.
“Over the past 24 hours we have had good support from the local community and I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding when they were evacuated for several hours.
“These decisions are never taken lightly but are necessary to make sure people are safe.”
Police were alerted by a local resident yesterday afternoon. A 100m cordon was established as a precaution to ensure neighbours were kept safe.
Around 80 homes were evacuated with local residents going to local family or friends or the café at the nearby Asda store.
The cordon was lifted and residents allowed to return home at around 8.50pm.
