A bomb disposal unit was called to a west Wiltshire village after fears an explosive substance had been found during a police drugs raid on a house there.

Wiltshire Police called in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) on Thursday, April 30, following a raid at a house in Whitecroft, Dilton Marsh, near Westbury.

One woman living next-door had to be evacuated following the discovery of what police initially feared was an explosive substance. It was later found out to be harmless.

Police seized a number of ornamental samurai swords from the house during Wednesday and Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Mark Kent, who helped carry out the search at the house, said: “During our search a substance was found at the property which we thought could have been corrosive or explosive so out first concern was for public safety and the EOD were called in.

“We have taken some items away from the house. It is lawful to have weapons inside your house, lots of people have ornamental display weapons, but they have been removed on this instance for safety reasons more than anything.”

Following the raid, Robbie Gage, 47, of Whitecroft, Dilton Marsh, appeared before magistrates in Chippenham on Friday where he admitted charges of extracting electricity and possession of amphetamines.

He denied a charge of causing actual bodily harm in connection with an alleged attack on Francis Cresswell in Dilton Marsh on April 12.

Gage was remanded in custody and will reappear at Chippenham Magistrates’ Court on June 5.