Man held after police find wartime firearms and ammunition at house

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/sep/17/man-held-police-wartime-firearms-ammunition-house

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Police have arrested a man after raiding a house and finding firearms and ammunition from the two world wars.

The 48-year-old was held after officers went to an address in Windmill Avenue, St Albans, Hertfordshire, at 8am on Wednesday.

They were executing a search warrant in connection with the theft of heritage artefacts and munitions from the two wars, Hertfordshire police said.

A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft from heritage and protected sites and is in custody for questioning.

A spokesman said police had found a number of items including firearms and ammunition, all believed to be from the wars.

He added: "Currently the army is establishing the safety of those items and carrying out a series of checks, which will take some time.

"As a safety precaution, Windmill Avenue is closed to vehicles from the junction with Chiltern Road, and four homes, either side of the property, have been evacuated. The occupants have gone to stay with relatives.

"Currently, there is no danger to members of the public."