Residents still out of homes after explosives find

Hundreds of people are preparing to spend a fourth day away from home after a hoard of explosives was found at a man's house following his death.

"Explosive ordnance" was discovered at John Nelson's home on Chadwick Road in St Helens on Tuesday, Merseyside Police said. The "reclusive" 64-year-old's property was packed with wartime memorabilia, including devices and detonators which officers feared could explode.

More than 200 homes nearby were evacuated with some families being moved to a local community centre and then a school hall.

Residents have yet to be given an estimate of when they can return to their homes.

A bomb disposal team carried out a series of safe detonations in a nearby field.

They were continuing to work through the house on Thursday to ensure it was safe.

Merseyside Police earlier said the address "presented a challenge" as all the rooms in the house contained a "considerable number" of belongings that Mr Nelson had collected over the years.

In a later update, the force revealed more improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had been found.

It said the area would remained cordoned off overnight into Friday due to concerns that further devices could be found.

Some of the ordnance is believed to date back to World War Two.

Merseyside Police said Mr Nelson's father was believed to have been in the Home Guard.

Any residents who need accommodation or other assistance have been asked to attend the nearby Chain Lane Community Centre, which will remain open until 22:00 BST on Thursday.

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