Morning call and arrests

Brentwood homes evacuated after a neighbour dispute led police to a house in Sawyers Grove on Friday morning. Essex Police said officers were called at about 7.20am after reports of a dispute and damage to a door. Officers forced entry to an address, where a man and a woman were arrested.

Specialist assessment

During a later search, officers found a number of small items that needed specialist assessment. Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts were called to examine the items and establish what they were. Police said the work was precautionary and the nature of the items had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

Cordon and evacuated homes

A 100-metre cordon was put in place, covering much of Sawyers Grove and small parts of Sawyers Hall Lane and Highland Avenue. About 40 homes were evacuated as a precaution, with residents directed to a rendezvous point at King George's Playing Fields Pavilion. Police said they were working with partner agencies to keep residents safe while the cordon remained in place.

What happens next depends on the specialist assessment. Until experts establish what the items are, police have given no indication of when the cordon will be lifted or when evacuated residents can return. The incident remained ongoing in the afternoon, and the two arrested people remained in custody for questioning, according to police reporting. No charge or further detail about the items had been published at the time of reporting.

Sources: Clacton and Frinton Gazette | Sky News via Vibe 107.6 | The Sun