For the second time in just two days, a residential street in Anfield, Liverpool, has been plunged into a state of emergency, with residents forcibly evacuated from their homes as a specialist bomb squad was scrambled to the scene. The dramatic events unfolded on Douglas Road, where police officers discovered what they described as an "item of concern" during an ongoing forensic investigation.
Repeated Disruption and Growing Frustration
The latest incident occurred on Monday, February 2, following an initial evacuation the previous evening. Residents reported being warned of the bomb squad's arrival just hours after they had been allowed to return to their properties. A neighbour claimed that approximately ten houses on each side of Douglas Road were evacuated this time, with police cordoning off the area and multiple emergency services in attendance.
Residents Left in the Dark
Local residents have expressed significant frustration and anxiety over the handling of the situation. Andrew Robinson, 57, who lives on the street, recounted how police informed him and his wife that they had found an "item of concern" and needed to evacuate five houses on both sides of the road. "We went for a long walk, and as we came back around to the top of the road we saw the bomb squad," he said.
Mr. Robinson criticised the communication from authorities, stating, "The way this has been handled is a total disgrace. They're keeping us in the dark. We don’t need to know all the grisly details, but it would be good to have some information about what’s going on." He added that while a meeting for neighbours is being arranged, it feels like "too little too late," and he is concerned about safety, questioning, "I want to know if it's safe to walk past that place, or if it'll go pop."
Ongoing Police Investigation
This series of evacuations is linked to a wider police investigation that began on January 8, when a property on Douglas Road was swarmed by officers. The probe is connected to the discovery of human remains in a flat in St Helens, with George Gordon, 65, charged with preventing lawful and decent burial of a dead body and obstructing a coroner.
In a statement, Merseyside Police confirmed that during an extensive forensic examination at a house on Douglas Road, officers located more bags of white powder, described as a suspicious substance. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was contacted to remove the powder for further examination, and the road remains temporarily closed with surrounding houses evacuated as a precaution.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The prolonged police presence and repeated disruptions are taking a toll on the local community. A mother whose child attends the nearby Anfield Road Primary School voiced her concerns, noting, "They've been there for weeks, and my son is only six. He's seeing police coming out in hazmat suits and it's unnerving."
Authorities have advised members of the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues. The situation underscores the challenges faced by residents living near an active crime scene, balancing public safety with the need for timely and transparent communication from law enforcement agencies.
