A MAN in his 60s was arrested after bomb disposal experts exploded a device at an estate house following a mass evacuation of nearby homes.

Hundreds of residents on the King Henry V estate off the Monmouth Link Road were told to leave the area by police as the bomb squad dealt with the incident in Castle Close on Saturday evening.

A Gwent Police spokesperson confirmed: “We supported the specialist trained personnel from the Army’s explosive ordnance disposal unit (EOD) in Castle Close, Monmouth, following reports of explosive items being located at a property on Saturday 3 October.

“A 100-metre cordon was established and those living within this area were taken to a safe location within the town centre.

“One item was destroyed with a controlled explosion; two further items were removed from the property for further testing.

“We’d like to thank the public for their understanding and patience as well as our partner agencies for ensuring the safety of our communities.”

Avon and Somerset Police are heading the investigation, and a spokesperson said on Monday: "Following these searches, a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of transferring a relevant explosive to an unfit transferee. He has been released on bail and enquiries are ongoing.”

Residents said the area was cordoned off from the Shell petrol station and Premier Inn up onto the A40 bridge and down towards Wonastow Road.

One posted around 10pm: "It affected a lot of lives in King Henry plus a few more streets, as we all had to get evacuated from our homes... it wasn’t just a scare it was real!"

Another said: "Police mentioned two bombs. Loud bang and a few hours later they’ve just let everyone home."

One woman added: "Kids coming home to be told they can't go home and their family have had to evacuate...

"Old people struggling with the cold as no time allowed to get any essentials despite multiple officers on our road...

"Young kids and dogs stood outside a cordon for hours and absolutely no explanation allowed to be given out.

"Only heard we were allowed back to our homes through word of mouth from neighbours. Absolutely ridiculous situation."