RESIDENTS have been unable to return to their homes after “explosions” were heard and cops are investigating a “suspicious package”.
Locals in Lenton, Nottinghamshire, have not been allowed back into the properties for some seven hours, after police responded to an incident at around 2pm.
BPMA police cordon is in place as officers deal with the situation[/caption]
Cops have confirmed resident have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution.
A bomb disposal van has been spotted in the area.
People have now been asked to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Pictures show the area in and around Allington Avenue as well as Park Road and Willoughby Street have been cordoned off.
A man entered a property on Park Road carrying a device and wearing full black protective gear.
At around 9.25pm onlookers could be heard screaming after two loud explosions could be heard.
Fire and rescue officers could also be seen accessing sewers and a second fire engine appeared on the scene.
Abigail Cronin, 21, who lives on Rolleston Drive, told the Nottingham Post: “I’ve been out here since it started at 2, I’d just come back from a nail appointment.”
Ms Cronin, a student at Nottingham University, added: “My car is in the cordon with all my stuff in, so I’m not a big fan of leaving that overnight.
“I went to Starbucks for a bit to pass the time, but I also want to be close in case there are any updates, so I’ve just been milling about ever since.
“There’s a lot of mixed information and it’s frustrating.”
Antoniella Luongo, 90, who has lived on Allington Avenue since 1966, said: “I’d just gone back. A police officer told me we need to leave.
“But I was starving and was about to cook something to eat. She came back 10 minutes later and said I could stay, but that I’d be in danger.
“I’m not scared. I’m in my own home. I’m sick and I’m not allowed to go out anyway, my tablets are at home.”
Nottinghamshire Police said: “The site of this package has been established and Explosive Ordinance Disposal engineers are at the scene.
“People are advised to stay away from the area until further notice, while residents from Allington Avenue and the surrounding areas have been evacuated as a precaution.
“A cordon is in place and roads are closed in Lenton on Derby Road, between the junctions of Welby Avenue and Harrington Drive.”
Lilian Greenwood, previously the Labour MP for Nottingham South, said: “This is shocking and very worrying. Hope everyone is safe.”