More than 100 homes evacuated as bomb disposal experts carry out four controlled explosions after two terror arrests

• Officers found explosives in a garage after searching two homes in the Cheltenham area
• Substances found just 1/2 a mile from government spy base GCHQ
• Evacuated neighbours face second night away from their homes
• Shocked residents spoke of their fear and concern at the dramatic events

By Emma Reynolds

PUBLISHED: 13:16 GMT, 12 May 2012 | UPDATED: 23:15 GMT, 12 May 2012

More than 100 homes have been evacuated as bomb disposal experts carried out four controlled explosions yesterday morning.

Two men were arrested on terrorism charges following the discovery of suspected explosives in a garage during raids on two properties in Cheltenham, according to police.

Officers arrested a 52-year-old man from the Hester's Way area under the Explosive Substances Act.

They later found suspected explosives at a house in nearby Up Hatherley and arrested a 31-year-old local man, Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed.

The controlled explosions took place at 11.30am on Saturday, after 15 residents spent the night in a nearby hall and 13 vulnerable people were rehoused.

A 200-metre cordon was placed around the garage as bomb disposal teams joined anti-terrorism officers, ambulance crews and firefighters combing the area.

FULL STORY: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2143378/Police-evacuate-100...