A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing explosives after police evacuated villagers when they discovered a cache of chemicals in a house.

Officers raided a property in Burnham at about 6am yesterday, where they discovered the chemicals and were forced to evacuate neighbours and carry out controlled burning.

Residents of The Fairway have now been let back in their homes and police have attempted to allay fears saying they are not linking the discovery to terrorism.

A 40-year-old man from Burnham has been arrested on suspicion of wasting police time, making a false report to police, possession of class B drugs with intent to supply, concerned in the production of a class A drug, and possess/control explosive with the intent to endanger life/injure property.

He is currently in police custody at this time.

Senior investigating officer, Supt Ed McLean said: “I would like to thank local residents for their cooperation and patience while we and our partner agencies carry out enquiries at the scene.

“I can understand that it was an inconvenience for residents to be evacuated yesterday, but their safety is our priority.

“I would like to reassure the community that we are not linking the discovery of these chemicals to terrorism.

“The chemicals will be forensically examined to determine exactly what they are.

The Fairway, Burnham.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation and although a scene watch will remain at property today there is no wider cordon in place and there is no danger to the public.”

A number of other homeowners had to be evacuated to the nearby Burnham Beeches Hotel as a precaution, following the police raid.

They were allowed back to their homes at about midnight, after Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians arrived at the scene to carry out a controlled burning of the chemicals.

Supt McLean said: “I would like to thank our partner agencies, South Buckinghamshire District Council, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the technicians from Explosive Ordnance Disposal, for their help in this investigation.

“A special thanks also goes to Burnham Beeches Hotel who looked after those residents who had to be evacuated.”