Bomb squad scrambled after 'suspicious item' found in crash

Bomb disposal experts were called to a Leicestershire village after police discovered a 'suspicious' item in an abandoned vehicle. Officers said the car had crashed into a hedge

before its two occupants had allegedly fled the scene. Leicestershire Police said it was called to the incident in Ashby Road, in Barwell, at around 6.25pm yesterday (Tuesday, May 21). The

vehicle had left the road and come to a rest in a hedge. Officers carried out a search, with assistance from the National Police Air Service helicopter, but were unable to locate the pair,

said police. However, when recovery operations began, the situation escalated. READ MORE: Man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder after 2023 Leicester 'shooting'

While the vehicle was being recovered, a "suspicious item was discovered in the rear of the car", said police. A force spokesperson said a cordon was established in the interest of

public and police safety while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to the scene. After being examined by bomb disposal experts, the item was "confirmed not to be suspicious

or concerning", said the police. The police cordon was lifted shortly afterwards. "Inquiries are ongoing in relation to the road traffic collision," a Leicestershire Police

spokeswoman said this afternoon. The force has not disclosed what the suspicious item was or provided details about the vehicle involved in the incident. WE ARE NOW BRINGING YOU THE LATEST

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