Residents were forced to evacuate after a suspected grenade was discovered at a residence. The bomb squad was called in to handle the situation at Kirkstall Close in Chorley, which was sealed off following the finding at a property in the cul-de-sac. Three men and a woman in their 20s were apprehended.
The suspected grenade was uncovered during a property search on June 21 after a police chase in Preston. Law enforcement began tailing a red Ford Fiesta on New Hall Lane around 9.40 pm, culminating in a stop on Brockholes Brow using tactical maneuvers to prevent the driver from fleeing onto the M6 motorway.
The driver, a 20-year-old man from Chorley, brandished what appeared to be a handgun at officers upon exiting the vehicle, later identified as a BB gun. He was also found in possession of two knives and the imitation firearm. The individual was arrested on suspicion of firearm possession, failure to stop, carrying an offensive weapon, and refusal to provide a breath sample.
Three passengers, two men aged 20 and 21 from Preston, and a 21-year-old woman from the same town, were also taken into custody on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon. All four suspects are currently detained.
Lancashire Police shut down a section of Brockholes Brow overnight and their investigation led them to the Kirkstall Close property in Chorley, where the grenade was uncovered following a search.
A police spokesperson stated, “At 9.40 pm yesterday, our officers observed a red Ford Fiesta on New Hall Lane with potentially illegal number plates. We signaled for the Fiesta to halt, but it evaded us, leading to a pursuit. After using tactical procedures, the vehicle was stopped on Brockholes Brow in Preston. Upon stopping, the driver exited the Fiesta, aiming what seemed to be a handgun at our officers.
“He was apprehended, and upon searching him, we found 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 firearm possession, failure to stop, carrying an offensive weapon, and refusal to provide a breath sample. 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 also later arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon. They remain in custody.
“While conducting searches at a property in Kirkstall Close, Chorley, as part of our investigation, we discovered what is believed to be a grenade. As a precaution, some properties in the vicinity have been evacuated, and our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) colleagues have been informed and are present.
“At this time, there is no perceived threat to the public. An inquiry is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information or footage to come forward. We understand this news may be disconcerting, but we want to reassure you that our officers will be in the area conducting reassurance patrols.
“If you have any concerns or information that could aid us, please approach the officers as they carry out their duties. Alternatively, you can contact us by dialing 101 and quoting log 1457 of June 21.”