West Yorkshire Police responded to an incident earlier today (31 July) on Jacquard Road, near Cumberworth Road, Skelmanthorpe, following a report of damage caused to an unoccupied parked vehicle due to an explosion.
According to the report, a suspect was seen near the car just before the incident occurred. Concerned about the possibility of suspicious materials in the vehicle, the attending officers requested the assistance of specialised personnel from partner agencies to assess the situation.
As a precautionary measure, a cordon was established, and residents from a few nearby homes were temporarily asked to evacuate their properties until a thorough assessment could be conducted.
After ensuring the safety of the area, road closures were eventually lifted later in the afternoon. Continuing their investigation, the police apprehended a man in connection with the incident. The inquiries are still ongoing.
Superintendent Helen Brear of Kirklees Police said: “Police-led enquiries are continuing into this matter and I want to thank residents for their understanding and patience while this operation was carried out. We also apologise for any disruption it may have caused.
“The deployment of specialist resources may understandably have caused some concern but it is entirely normal for them to attend at a location in such circumstances in order to take every precaution possible to ensure public safety.
“Our investigation will continue and a man who was arrested will be questioned as part of those enquiries.
“I would ask anyone who has information about the damage to the car or any information which could assist police enquiries to contact Kirklees CID on 101 referencing police log 0609 of July 31.
“Information can also be given online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”
