Man arrested following controlled explosions on package in Wellington

A 19-year-old man from Wellington has been arrested on suspicion of making an item capable of causing an explosion or endangering people or property.

His arrest follows an incident in Wellington this morning that led to the closure of Wellington Police Station and Victoria Road. A cordon was put up around the area after a suspicious package was taken to Wellington Police Station by a member of the public who discovered it further up Victoria Road near the entrance to the Wellington Medical Practice.

The road was closed and people were moved from their properties while the area was made safe.

Superintendent David McWilliam said: "We'd like to thank everyone in the area for their patience while we dealt with this situation and made the area safe. Military personnel carried out two controlled explosions. People are now being allowed to return to their properties and the road has reopened.

"At this early stage of the investigation we don't believe the package was a viable device but I hope people understand the precautions we have taken.

"I'd also like to thank the military for their assistance, the local Tesco store for providing facilities for people moved out of their properties and our colleagues at the local authority who have supported us throughout this incident.

"We would like to remind people of our advice if they do ever find a package that they believe to be suspicious; don't move it and call the police who will carry out a threat assessment, offer advice and respond appropriately."

The police investigation is continuing. If anyone has any information that may help officers they should call 101 and quote reference 0091s of 10th July 2015. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org