Birmingham residents were forced to leave their homes for approximately two hours on Saturday, May 9, after police discovered suspicious items during a raid in Northfield. The discovery prompted a large emergency response, including armed officers and the Army's bomb disposal unit.
Details of the Incident
Police and bomb disposal experts were called to Hollymoor Way in Northfield following the discovery of the items. A cordon was set up, and several homes were evacuated as a precaution. The road near Oaklands Way and Bradley Close was closed to traffic during the operation.
One local resident described the experience as 'strange,' saying, 'We were told to evacuate. We've been out of our homes for around two hours, but now we can go back in. It's all a bit strange.'
Another resident mentioned that a 'white ball of some kind' had been found, though the nature of this item remains unclear.
Police Statement
West Midlands Police issued a statement explaining that the search was part of an ongoing investigation. 'As part of an ongoing investigation, officers today carried out a search at an address on Hollymoor Way. This afternoon, a number of suspicious items were found at the address. As a result, the Army's EOD team have been called as a precaution. Officers remain at the scene this afternoon. As a precaution, several homes have been evacuated while searches take place.'
The Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team later declared the items safe, and residents were allowed to return to their homes. At the peak of the incident, locals reported that 'armed police are everywhere.'
Community Reaction
The incident caused significant disruption in the normally quiet neighborhood. Residents expressed relief that the situation was resolved without harm, though many were left unsettled by the sudden evacuation and heavy police presence.
The road has since reopened, and police have not announced any further actions related to the raid. The investigation is ongoing.
