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Bomb squad called to street as homes evacuated

Henry Godfrey-Evansand
Alex Stevanovic,Brentwood
News imageAlex Stevanovic/BBC Police tape tied to bollards in front of a police van. Two officers are standing on the corner of the street with their backs to the camera.Alex Stevanovic/BBC
Police have cordoned off an area of Brentwood after asking people to leave their homes

A bomb squad has been called and homes in an Essex street evacuated after a number of items were found by police.

Officers forced entry to a home in Brentwood and arrested a man and a woman after calls about a neighbour dispute at 07:20 GMT on Friday.

During a search of the property, police found a number of small items that they said needed further examination.

To ensure the area is safe, Essex Police has placed a 100m cordon at Sawyers Grove.

News imageAlex Stevanovic/BBC A man in a navy blue gilet with a blue jumper underneath it is standing outside of the police cordon where there is a van and officers.Alex Stevanovic/BBC
Residents like Michael Page have been unable to return home for hours

Explosive ordnance disposal experts are trying to identify the objects.

Michael Page, 84, lives nearby. He said he was told to leave at about 11:30.

He said: "I got a rap on the door to say you've got to get out. They wouldn't tell me anything."

He said he will not be allowed to return for several hours.

News imageAlex Stevanovic/BBC A dog on a path looking up at its owner while on a lead. His owner his wearing a black tracksuit jacket and an orange T-shirt with the head of a giraffe on it. She is also wearing jeans and blue trainers. Alex Stevanovic/BBC
Polly the dog was stuck in the house for seven hours

Vaughn Waites, 57, was with his wife taking his dog Polly out. He said Polly had been shut in the house for seven hours.

He said: "We were out shopping when it happened and we came back and they wouldn't let us on to the estate.

"[I'm] fed up at the moment."

The situation is ongoing and the force has thanked the public for their patience. A spokesperson said an update will be provided as soon as possible.

Sawyers Grove is just a few metres from St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England Primary School, but the half-term holiday means children will not be in classes.

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