Three held as cordon remains over suspect device

A second man and a woman have been arrested after a suspected explosive device was found at a property, forcing residents to leave their homes.

Dorset Police said officers making arrest inquiries discovered the device inside a home on Suffolk Avenue, Christchurch shortly after 09:30 BST on Monday. The device was removed on Monday evening.

The man and woman, along with a man detained on Monday, were all arrested on suspicion of firearms offences and remain in police custody.

A 50m (164ft) cordon remains in place while further searches are carried out at the property. Those living close by have not yet been allowed to return to their homes.

The force said the suspected explosive device removed from the property by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and was being made safe.

Dorset Police said: "We are aware that the cordon is in close proximity to Twynham Primary School, but we would like to reassure that there is no risk to anyone attending the school or to the wider public.

"We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we respond to this incident."