Armed police swoop over explosive fear

Hamish Hutchinson • Published 19 Jan 2012 08:00

ARMED police officers swooped on a house in Alloa on Monday evening.

Henderson Avenue and part of Ashley Terrace were cordoned off for several hours as police surrounded the area.

Neighbouring homes were evacuated after 5pm as a precaution over fears of an explosion.

Three fire appliances, with crews from Alloa and Stirling, were put on "stand-by" in the street outside the premises.

The operation was in connection with a 25-year-old man living in Henderson Avenue.

He was arrested and charged under the Explosive Substances Act.

A neighbour told the Advertiser, "A fire engine pulled up and then the police arrived and cordoned off Henderson Avenue and Ashley Terrace.

"The place was full of police cars and then we saw armed officers with rifles.

"They set up in the garden opposite and then went charging in to get the guy out.

"I believe some of the neighbours around the property were evacuated, but I don't know for sure. There were plain clothed officers and lots of uniformed officers.

"There were three fire engines in the street.

"There was talk of some sort of incident but there was no fire to be seen, no smoke or flames."

Central Scotland Police confirmed that specialist personnel were deployed at the scene, including firearms officers, and there was a temporary evacuation of nearby homes.

The streets were cordoned off for three hours.

The arrested man was due to appear from custody at Alloa Sheriff Court on Wednesday 18 January.

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 18 Jan 12

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