Residents who have been evacuated by the bomb disposal squad after ‘suspicious items’ were discovered in Yorkshire could be away from their homes for up to 48 hours, police have said.

South Yorkshire Police and the army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team set up a 100m cordon in Grimethorpe, Barnsley, this morning (May 8) following the discovery of ‘suspicious items’.

Police found the items at an address on Brierley Road after executing a warrant.

Barnsley Council has opened a rest centre at St Luke's Church for residents who don't have anywhere else to go during the evacuation. There are no schools within the cordon and pupils at Milefield Primary, Ladywood Primary and Outwood Academy can be collected at usual at pick-up time, police said.

However, the force advised people who have been evacuated to prepare to be away from their homes for a couple of days, and urged them to take any essential items they may need for the next 48 hours.

A statement from the force said: “Around 130 homes are being evacuated while emergency services continue their response after a number of suspicious items were found at an address on Brierley Road following a warrant this morning (Wednesday 8 May).

“It is anticipated residents may be evacuated for 48 hours. Emergency services, the army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and other partners remain in the area. All roads within the 100m cordon are closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.”

Assistant Chief Constable David Hartley, gold commander, said: "We are very grateful to local residents for their continued patience and understanding as we carry out our vital work. This has already greatly helped our response and public safety will remain at the forefront of our minds as this investigation progresses."

Coun Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We’re working closely with our colleagues at South Yorkshire Police, and we have staff out in the area supporting their response. We have opened a rest centre at St Luke’s Church for people who are being evacuated and don’t have anywhere else to go. I urge local people to follow the advice from the police and keep them and their families safe."

A 58-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Firearms Act remains in custody.

Grimethorpe: Yorkshire residents to be evacuated for up to 48 hours as man arrested following discovery of 'suspicious items'