Suspicious object found in police search of property

RESIDENTS have been told to evacuate their properties as a cordon is in place after a suspicious object was found during a police search.

The incident follows the execution of a warrant at a property on Natty Lane, Illingworth, this past Thursday.

Two people have been arrested from two addresses on suspicion of firearms offences and are currently in custody.

There is a visible police presence in the area to reassure the community.

The other end of the 100m police cordon (Image: Newsquest)

West Yorkshire Police statement

A spokesperson for the force said: "A cordon has been put in place, including diversions on Keighley Road, following the discovery of a suspicious object during a police search of a property in Illingworth.

"The 100m cordon includes road closures on Natty Lane and Keighley Road between Cobblestones Drive and Illingworth Road. 

"Diversions have been put in place on Keighley Road.

"For those driving from Halifax to Keighley it will be left onto Illingworth Road from Keighley Road, then left onto Green Lane, then left onto Pavement Lane and then right onto Keighley Road.

"For those driving from Keighley to Halifax it will be left onto Pavement Lane from Keighley Road, right onto Green Lane, right onto Illingworth Road and then left back onto Keighley Road.

"Affected residents have been asked to evacuate their properties as a precaution while EOD deploy to the scene.

"An area is being set up at Illingworth Sports and Social Club on Keighley Road for displaced residents.

"There will be a visible police presence in the area to reassure the community.

"This incident follows the execution of a warrant at a property on Natty Lane, Illingworth, on Thursday, December 28.

"Two people have been arrested from two addresses on suspicion of firearms offences and are currently in custody."