An address in Port Erin remains cordoned off this morning as police continue inquiries into an ongoing incident in which suspicious items were found inside a house.

Specialists from the UK’s bomb disposal squad attended the property on Pairk Beg late last night after arriving on the ferry from Liverpool.

Following an assessment, the property was deemed to be safe and no threat was posed to residents in the area.

Residents within 100 metres of the property, who had been evacuated as a precautionary measure, were informed in the early hours that they were able to safely return to their homes.

No fewer than 61 properties had been identified as being within the cordon and had been contacted in order to evacuate.

Bomb disposal officers also attended an address on the Creggan Lea estate in Port St Mary.

Civil defence volunteers manned an evacuation centre set up at the Methodist church hall on Station Road, Port Erin.

Most of those evacuated from their homes stayed with friends and family and only three people went to the rest centre before finding other accommodation.

Armed police officers attended Creggan Lea at about 6.30pm.

Footage emerged on social media of two men being ordered by armed officers to lay on the ground.

Police confirmed that the arrests are connected to the incident in Port Erin.

Superintendent Danny Rotchell, who has been co-ordinating the response to the incident, said: ‘Our number one priority is the safety of the public and I am grateful to those effected for their patience and understanding given the disruption caused.

‘This remains an active and ongoing investigation but I want to reassure the community that there is no wider threat to the public at this time.

‘The property in Pairk Beg will remain cordoned off, with a visible police presence in the area. I can confirm that two people have been arrested and are currently assisting with our investigation.’