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Army bomb disposal team continue to examine Filton Avenue house
It is now a number of days since police first cordoned off part of Filton Avenue and called in bomb disposal experts to search a house.
Residents evacuated from the area have been warned they may have to stay away from their homes until the weekend due to the “complexity of the scene”.
This follows the arrest of Matthew Glynn, 37, who appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with possessing or controlling explosives with intent to endanger life or injure property. He remains in custody until his next hearing.
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The police cordon remains in place on Filton Avenue
But despite the upheaval, people living and working in the area are taking it all in their stride.
“It has not stopped me getting out,” Wendy Oliver, who lives near the cordoned-off zone, told Bristol24/7 on Thursday morning. “We have just got to get on with it, nothing will stop me from going out on my scooter.
She is passing by Filton Avenue Primary School, which is open as a place of refuge during the first few days of the summer holidays, although no one had yet taken up the offer.
Inside the school, there are just a few officers taking a welcome break from the heat outside.
Filton Avenue Primary School has been opened as a refuge for those living within the cordon
Roy Jones of Keys Avenue says he got off the bus in his usual spot on Filton Avenue on Monday afternoon and spotted a police presence, but no cordon yet in place.
“The next thing I knew of it, I got a text from my son asking if I’d been evacuated,” he recalls, adding that most locals are just going about their daily lives as usual.
“I would imagine they (bomb experts) have got a fair idea of what they are dealing with now.”
Over at Horfield Health Centre, a man who did not want to be named said it has been a far quieter morning since the cordon went up, but plenty of gossip has been circulating.
“I think it has affected the confidence of people a bit,” he said. “I know one lady who lives near the house being searched on Filton Avenue and she has been really well looked after, her daughter came to get her.”
Army bomb disposal experts remain at the scene
A specialist army search team is currently examining the property and people who live within the cordon have been voluntarily evacuated, although it is understood some have chosen to stay put.
Displaced residents have been given advice on what to do if the continued closure causes any accommodation problems.
Inspector Rob Cheeseman said: “We’ve taken advice from the army experts and unfortunately, due to the complexity of the scene, we’re going to have to ask residents to continue to stay away from home.
“We’re very grateful for the support and understanding of everyone affected and we’re sorry for the added inconvenience.
“Our priority is to keep everyone safe and the army will make sure there’s nothing else in the house which poses any further risk. We’re all working to get everyone home as soon as is safe.”
Filton Avenue remains closed between Berry Lane and Lockleaze Road, with drivers being asked to follow the diversions in place.
Inspector Cheeseman added: “It is important to note that court proceedings are ongoing and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is crucial there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Police say people’s safety is their top priority
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