Lancashire Police evacuate Chorley street with bomb squad deployed following Preston police chase

A street in Chorley has been evacuated by police and the bomb squad called to the scene.

Kirkstall Close has been cordoned after officers found a suspected grenade at an address on the street and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have been deployed to the cul-de-sac.

There isn't thought to be any risk to the public at this time, said Lancashire Police in a statement issued this afternoon (see below).

The force said the explosive was discovered after officers searched the address following the arrest of three men and a woman in their 20s after a pursuit in Preston last night (Sunday, June 21).

The chase was launched in New Hall Lane at around 9.40pm and concluded in Brockholes Brow later that evening, with officers intercepting a red Ford Fiesta using ‘tactical stop’ manoeuvres to prevent the driver from escaping onto the M6 motorway.

Driver ‘pointed handgun at officers’

The driver, a 20-year-old man from Chorley, exited the car and pointed a ‘handgun’ at officers - later confirmed as a BB gun. He was detained and officers also seized two knives, in addition to the imitation firearm.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon and failure to provide a breath test. He remains in custody.

Three passengers - two men from Preston, aged 20 and 21 - and a 21-year-old woman, also from Preston, were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. They also remain in custody.

Lancashire Police closed part of Brockholes Brow overnight following the incident and their investigation led them to the address at Kirkstall Close in Chorley, where the grenade was discovered following a search of the property.

Police statement

A spokesperson for the force said: “At 9.40pm yesterday, our officers spotted a red Ford Fiesta on New Hall Lane, with what were thought to be illegal number plates.

“We signalled for the Fiesta to stop; however it made off and a pursuit ensued. Following tactical contact, the vehicle was stopped on Brockholes Brow in Preston.

“Upon stopping, the driver exited the Fiesta, pointing what was thought to be a handgun at our officers.

“He was detained, and upon searching him, we located two knives. The weapon was confirmed to be a BB Gun.

“The driver, a 20-year-old man from Chorley was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon, and failure to provide a breath test. He remains in custody.

“The passengers – a 20-year-old man from Preston, a 21-year-old woman from Preston and a 21-year-old man from Preston were later all arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. They also remain in custody.

“Whilst conducting searches at a property in Kirkstall Close, Chorley, as part of our enquiries, we located what is thought to be a grenade. As a precaution, some properties in the area have been evacuated and our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) colleagues have been contacted and are in attendance.

“There isn't thought to be any risk to the public at this time.

“An investigation is ongoing, and we are asking for anyone with information or footage to get in touch.

“We know this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that we will have officers in and around the area conducting reassurance patrols.

“If you have any concerns, or any information you feel could assist us, please don’t hesitate to approach them as they conduct their duties.

“Alternatively, you can get in touch by calling 101 quoting log 1457 of June 21.”