Replica ordnance found in Oxton

A small number of homes were evacuated as a precaution in Oxton this morning, Sunday 5 January, following the discovery of an object later found to be a replica ordnance.
 
Just after 11.50pm Saturday 4 January, officers stopped and searched a vehicle at the junction of Brassey Street and Patten Street in Wirral. They seized ammunition and the driver was detained.
 
A 63-year-old man from Oxton was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate. He remains in custody for questioning.
 
Following a search of a property on Briardale Road as part of enquiries, an object was found initially suspected to be an ordnance device.
 
Advice was sought from EOD and as a result a small number of properties on Briardale Road were evacuated as a precaution.
 
Following assessment of the object, it was found to be a replica that posed no threat to the public and residents are able to return to their homes.

A search of the property is ongoing and we thank local residents for their patience while this incident is dealt with.