SEVENTEEN homes were evacuated during the early hours of this morning due to fears of an explosion following a burglary at a petrol station on Chester Road, Warrington.
Residents were moved to hotel accommodation as a precautionary measure after police arrived to investigate the incident which resulted in major damage to the roof of the building and an ATM machine on the premises being tampered with.
The premises, a Texaco petrol station and shop, is currently undergoing renovation work and the officers attending the scene were aware of a strong smell inside the premises.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue and the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) were called to attended the scene. A 100 meter cordon was established around the incident and as a precautionary measure 17 houses were evacuated with some
residents staying at a nearby hotel.
Road closures put in place on Chester Road at the junction of Meadow Avenue, Chester Road and Brian Bevan Island.
Just before 08:00 hours the premises were declared safe by the EOD and residents were allowed to return to their homes.
Cheshire Police have established a crime scene at the premises and an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding this burglary.
Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident and are asking anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously or who saw anyone entering the premises on Chester Road late on Friday night or during the very early hours Saturday morning
to contact them on the 101 number and refer to incident 87 of 30th November.
The incident led to a number of people being awoken from their sleep and moved from their homes which was both upsetting and distressing and Cheshire Police would like to thank residents and local businesses who
have been inconvenienced or assisted in this incident, for their patience and cooperation.
The Texaco shop is open for business as usual.
Homes evacuated as petrol station burglary causes explosion fears
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
