A suspicious item found in a South Cumbrian home that led to 53 homes being evacuated has been deemed not a threat.
Cumbria Police declared a major incident last night in Ulverston as agencies supported people who were evacuated from their homes.
The evacuation was carried out as a necessary precaution after officers discovered the suspicious item at a house on Steel Street.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were called in to carry out a careful assessment on the item and have now declared it as not a threat.
The 100m safety cordon put in place around the area is now being lifted and police said the operation has safely concluded.
Westmorland & Furness Council opened a reception centre at Ulverston Leisure Centre for those who required accommodation.
Those people in the reception centre and at a further site where people were given accommodation are now being told they can return home.
A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.
Enquiries are ongoing and a police presence will remain in place at the house where the suspicious item was found on Steel Street. North Lonsdale Road has reopened.
Superintendent Matt Pearman, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “I am pleased to declare that the major incident has concluded and residents from the Steel Street area can now return to their homes.
“A major incident was declared to assist the coordination of multiple agencies in supporting those who had to leave their homes on Wednesday evening.
“This enabled agencies to quickly share information and work together effectively to provide the appropriate support for those evacuated.
“I would like to thank all of those who had to leave their homes for the patience they have shown throughout.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience it causes when you cannot stay in your own home, however our priority was and always will be the safety of all residents.
“I would like to thank the EOD for their thorough assessment and all the agencies involved in this response for the work they have done to support those affected.”
