Man arrested after 'suspicious device' found

A block of flats and other nearby homes were evacuated earlier following reports of a "suspicious device" inside a property.

South Yorkshire Police said officers had been called to Washington Road, in the Sharrow area of Sheffield, at about 11:00 GMT.

The force said bomb disposal teams had since confirmed the device was "not viable". A 50m (164ft) police cordon which had been in place for much of Wednesday was lifted at about 20:00, with residents allowed to return home.

A 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill in connection with the incident and is being held in police custody, they added.

In a statement, police said officers had attended after receiving a report of a "suspicious device".

Washington Road was closed to traffic as a result of the incident, but has since reopened.

A force spokesperson thanked residents for their "understanding and support".

Earlier in the day facilities had been made available at Sharrow Community Forum and the Ponds Forge leisure centre for anyone asked to leave their home.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North