Bomb disposal units removed a suspicious device in Horfield, Bristol, following the arrest of a 21-year-old man suspected of attempting to join Daesh, as police reassure the public there’s no ongoing threat.
Bomb disposal teams removed what was described as a “suspicious item” from a property in Horfield, Bristol, after Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) carried out a pre-planned search that resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old man. He’s suspected of trying to join a proscribed organisation. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the arrest happened on January 20, 2026, and that the suspect is still in custody as officers continue their enquiries.
A security cordon was put in place around the scene while Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists examined and removed the device. A few nearby homes were evacuated just as a precaution, but residents were allowed back once the area was declared safe. ITV reported that officers from CTPSE had support on the ground from Avon and Somerset Police throughout the operation.
According to police, the arrest was made under section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000, on suspicion of trying to join Daesh, also known as ISIS, a terrorist group banned by the UK Government. The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, with help from local officers. Avon and Somerset’s official statement reassured the public that there’s currently no ongoing risk to the wider community.
Chief Inspector Keith Smith from Avon and Somerset Police said: “I’d like to thank the local community for their patience while officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East were in the Horfield area conducting this arrest. The operation was pre-planned. Some people had to leave their homes temporarily, but they’re now able to return. We appreciate their understanding during this process. There isn’t believed to be any danger to the general public, but I understand that police activity can cause concern. If anyone wants to speak with an officer, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
The process of deploying and clearing a suspicious device by EOD teams follows well-established safety procedures used by specialised units all around the world: officers first secure and cordon off the area, evacuate nearby properties if necessary, and call in trained bomb technicians equipped with robots, X-ray tools, and protective suits to assess and make safe the suspicious item. Guidance from campus safety units and expert policing emphasises the importance of not touching suspicious objects and keeping evacuation routes and assembly points clear. Past incidents, whether in the US or elsewhere, show that multi-agency responses like this often lead to no injuries after specialists step in to handle the device.
Authorities also reiterated the standard channels for reporting concerns about extremist content or potential threats. They urged anyone with information to contact police, and emphasised that official advice remains to use confidential police lines and the government’s ACT resources for reporting online extremist or terrorist material. The investigation is ongoing, and police presence in the area has remained while enquiries continue.
This case highlights the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the UK, a combined effort between national specialist units and local forces trying to disrupt suspected activity and handle any explosive hazards safely. The work is about striking a balance, providing reassurance to communities while pursuing important investigative work.
