Another arrest as police continue their investigation into suspicious device found in a car in Luton

Officers have searched four properties in Newcastle and another man has been arrested as police continue the investigation into a suspicious device found in a vehicle in Luton.

At around 7.20am on Friday, March 6, police were called to reports of concern for a man in a car in Brook Street.

Officers were dispatched and found a device in the car in Dunstable Road, Luton, and the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was called.

One man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of offences committed under the explosives act, and the road was closed as a precaution.

A second man was arrested shortly afterwards in Brook Street, also on suspicion of offences relating to explosives.

The EOD attended the scene in Dunstable Road and examined the device but it was found not to be a viable threat.

A cordon was put in place in Brook Street as a result and number of nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.

The area, including a second car, was checked by the EOD and no devices were discovered.

On Saturday, March 7, Northumbria officers supporting Bedfordshire Police arrested a further man in connection with the incident and carried out searches on two properties in Hexham and two properties in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

He has now been released with no further action.

Investigating officers secured a custody extension allowing extra time to question the man 45-year-old man arrested in Dunstable Road, on Friday.

He has now been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

The second man who was arrested in Brook Street, Luton, on Friday, was deemed unwell at the scene and transported to hospital, where he remains.