Message of thanks to community following Christchurch cordon
Officers would like to thank the public for their patience while a cordon remained in place at an address in Christchurch.
A cordon was in place in Suffolk Avenue following the discovery of a suspected explosive device, which was found inside an address at around 9.35am on Monday 15 June 2026 while officers were conducting arrest enquiries.
The cordon was in place as a precaution for the safety of members of the public while further extensive searches of the address were carried out.
During the ongoing search activity, officers found further possible explosive devices, which meant that additional precautionary action had to be taken by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to ensure the items were made safe.
The cordon was lifted at around 6pm on Thursday 18 June 2026 and all affected residents were allowed to return to their properties.
A man and woman aged in their 60s and a man aged in his 30s were arrested in connection with the incident.
The woman aged in her 60s and the man aged in his 30s were charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, failing to comply with shotgun certificates, failing to comply with firearm certificates and possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger or cause injury or damage to property. They both appeared at court on Thursday 18 June 2026 and are next due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on Thursday 25 June 2026.
The arrested man aged in his 60s has now also been charged with the same offences and is due to appear at court on a date to be confirmed as he was taken to hospital for treatment for an unrelated medical matter.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Graham, of Dorset Police, said: “We fully recognise and appreciate the impact this will have had on residents and we really thank everyone for their support.
“It has been a very challenging and complex search and the cordon was absolutely vital to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
“We have progressed the investigation at speed and did everything we could to lift the cordon as soon as possible.
“I am really pleased that everyone is now able to return to their properties and we would like to personally thank everyone who has been affected for their patience.”