THE bomb squad were called in to carry out a controlled explosion and a man was arrested following the discovery of chemicals and ammunition at a home in Colwall.

Police arrested a 49-year-old man from Worcester following the discovery of chemicals and ammunition in Walwyn Road, Colwall, near Malvern.

He remains in police custody. Terrorism is not suspected at this stage of the investigation.

A controlled explosion was carried out on Saturday at around 5.30pm, neighbours said.

Police activity began at the house on Friday and more vehicles were seen on Saturday.

People were told to leave their homes around noon today (Sunday).

A double cordon was set up on Walwyn Road and a police community support officer advised the Worcester News reporter to take hard cover.

The bomb disposal unit from the Royal Logistics Corps squad did not leave until after 4pm today (Sunday) and the cordon was lifted and roads reopened.

Villages said the home that was the subject of the police investigation was a rented house and five people lived there. They described their neighbours at the property as 'quiet' and 'polite'.

Peter Bamford, aged 77, of Walwyn Road, who lives within 100 metres of the two-storey, detached house had to leave his home for four hours as nearby homes were evacuated.

Those further from the potential blast radius were advised to stay indoors.

He said of the controlled explosion on Saturday: "It was a loud 'crump' sound followed by a shooting vertical flame in the garden of the house. It was a white flame, about 10 metres high. I went to a neighbour's outside the exclusion zone."

Evidence could be seen being bagged up by officers outside the garage of the home and taken to a blue van.

Chris Bishop, aged 66, also of Walwyn Road, saw sniffer dogs and forensic teams.

He said: "When the bomb disposal team came we really didn't know what to think.

"It could have been anything.

"We were reassured there wasn't any definite danger or terrorist type connection.

"We we were told to keep away.

"We heard it was something to do with an explosive but police weren't very forthcoming."

Dr Jonathan Pearce, 56, a GP at Colwall Surgery, took refuge in the home of a neighbour, Jane Fanshawe, 61, who had just returned from New Zealand with daughter Rachel, 26.

Mr Pearce said: "Friends said to us to stay indoors."

Father-of-two and dentist Chris Bocking of Buckingham House Dental Practice in Graham Road, Malvern, who lives in Walwyn Road, Colwall, said: "Some friends who live in the village were texting us, saying something is happening outside your house."

When they returned at 12.30pm today the road was cordoned off.

"They returned at 3.30pm and were allowed back inside."

He said: "They did allow us in the house but told us to stay in the far end of the house, furthest away from where it was.

"They were putting sand bags around the property to detonate it (the controlled explosion)."

Tim Dixon, 61, of Chase Road, Colwall, said: "I was intrigued more than scared. We call it 'sleepy Colwall'. At one point they would not allow me to walk down let alone drive down."

Superintendent Sue Thomas said: "Protective measures were immediately put in place and it has been necessary to evacuate residents from a small number of properties nearby and put a cordon in place while officers carry out further work at the property.

"We would like to thank local residents for their co-operation and patience.

"We are receiving assistance from the Army and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue to make sure all the items are removed and made safe.

"We would like to reassure members of the public that the incident has been contained and that no one has been injured.

"A full investigation is under way following the man's arrest and we are now making inquiries to establish the exact nature of the chemicals.

"However at this time, there is nothing to suggest that this is in any way linked to any terrorist activity."