Homemade Fireworks Scare Sparks Evacuation in Ingol, Preston
Chaos hit Ingol this afternoon when police uncovered dangerous homemade fireworks during a raid. Residents and a nearby nursery were rushed out as experts scrambled to defuse the explosive threat.
Police Raid on Cottam Avenue Finds DIY Explosives
Around 2pm, Lancashire Police swooped on a property in Cottam Avenue executing a pre-planned warrant. Inside, officers discovered highly volatile improvised fireworks — way more powerful than your typical bang-bang crackers.
Responding swiftly, police fenced off the area and evacuated nearby homes to keep everyone safe. Bomb disposal experts from the Explosives Ordnance Department (EOD) were brought in to neutralise the devices. Thankfully, they were made safe and removed without incident.
Chief Superintendent Applauds Community’s Calm
“People’s safety was the utmost priority. That’s why residents near the address were asked to leave their homes,” said Chief Superintendent Chris Hardy. “The devices found were potentially very dangerous. We are grateful for the support of the EOD, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, and Preston City Council.”
The evacuation order has now been lifted and residents have returned home. A police presence remains overnight to ensure safety continues.
18-Year-Old Arrested Over Explosives
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. He remains in custody as investigations continue into the dangerous homemade devices.
The quiet Ingol community was left shaken by the bomb scare, but thanks to quick-thinking police and expert bomb disposal teams, disaster was narrowly avoided.
