Residents evacuated after fake airline 'bombs' found during Torquay search
FAKE 'bombs' discovered by police during a search of a Torquay property sparked a full scale alert.
Residents were evacuated while explosive experts were drafted in to investigate the unexplained devices found at a property in Falloway Close, Barton on Monday.
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Bomb disposal at Falloway Close February 2013
Acting DI Chris Yarwood said: "Officers discovered the devices among some items and decided to call in specialists."
They were among a large quantity of items recovered.
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Among them was two mountain bikes, a power washer and a set of keys.
Police say the dummy devices were known to be used as part of training exercises for people in the airline industry.
Insp Adrian Leisk said: "It is always right that we exercise extreme caution in dealing with incidents of this type.
"We confirmed with the owner what the items were and can reassure the public that no one was ever at risk."
Residents were told to leave their properties just before lunchtime on Monday while the road and pedestrian access to the close was cordoned off.
Some sought shelter with neighbours or at the nearby Prince of Orange pub.
The Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team arrived just before 2pm and used a remote robotic device to investigate the property.
Police are trying to trace potential owners of some of the property and are appealing for people to come forward.
DC Simon Sherwood said: "The subsequent searches of the house in the morning and then again at night revealed a large amount of property suspected to be stolen.
"In particular officers are keen for contact from anyone with information relating to the two pedal cycles and set of keys."
Two men have were arrested on suspicion of burglary and bailed until May 2.
A woman arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods was bailed until April 24.
The arrests were made by the South Devon pro- active unit.
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